Psalm 10:4-5
“In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty, and your judgments are on high, out of his sight; he sneers at all his enemies.”
Pride, when manifested in a flagrant manner, universally excites disgust! So hateful it is, when divested of the subtle garb in which it is generally clothed. But though all hate pride when it appears in others—few are sensible how much it reigns within their own bosoms. In our converse with man, this evil disposition is ready to show itself on every occasion; but in our conduct towards God, it is the fruitful parent of habitual neglect, and atheistical contempt. This is affirmed in the passage before us, in which we may notice,
I. The state of the wicked.
It is not easy to conceive a more humiliating description of their character than that given us by the Psalmist:
“In his pride the wicked does not seek him.”
God invites them to seek his face, and promises that he will be found by them; but they cannot be prevailed upon either by promises or threats. They will seek with eagerness an earthly object that may make them happy; but they account God unworthy of any notice or regard! Job 35:10.
“In all his thoughts there is no room for God.”
It is astonishing to what a degree men often banish God from their minds! They will pass days, months, and even years, without one reverential thought of him—unless when they are alarmed by some awful providence, or awakened by some faithful reproof; and then, unless the grace of God prevents them, they will cast him out of their minds again as soon as possible, and drown their thoughts in business or sin, Job 21:14-15.
They account God’s ways, as far as they know them, to be grievous.
When urged to devote themselves to God in sincerity and truth, they conceive that such a state is unattainable, or, at least, incompatible with the common duties and offices of life. They call the indulgence of their lusts, liberty; and the exercise of vital godliness, an intolerable bondage! Every part of the divine life is irksome to them, and that too, not occasionally, but always, without any change or intermission.
The judgments of God are far above them, out of their sight!
By the “judgments” of God we understand his Word and works. Now these are not only out of their sight in some particulars (for in some respects they are incomprehensible even to the most enlightened saints) but they are altogether foolishness unto the wicked, 1 Corinthians 2:14. When the mysteries of redemption are opened, they are esteemed by the wicked as “cunningly-devised fables;” and when the marvelous interpositions of Providence are insisted on, they are ready to exclaim, with Ezekiel’s hearers, “Does he not speak parables? Ezekiel 20:49.”
“As for all their enemies, they sneer at them.”
If God himself threatens them as an enemy, they disregard his threats. The denunciations of his wrath are deemed by them unworthy of any serious attention. They even puff at them with contempt and disdain. They quiet all their fears, saying, like them of old, “Tush, God shall not see us; neither will the Almighty regard it, Psalm 94:7.” “I am safe, even though I am following the desires of my own stubborn heart! Deuteronomy 29:19.”
In order to account for this state of things, let us trace it to,
II. The real source of their wickedness.
We might trace this practical atheism to men’s ignorance and unbelief; but the Psalmist suggests to us the true ground and occasion of it—it all arises from the pride of their hearts!
Men are too good, in their own estimation, to need God’s mercy.
They will confess that they are not altogether so good as they might be; but they do not think they deserve God’s wrath and indignation. Why then should they trouble themselves to ask for mercy at his hands, when they are in no danger of suffering his judgments?
They are also too strong, in their own estimation, to need his aid.
They imagine that they can repent when they please, and that, whenever they resolve, they can easily carry their resolutions into effect. If they thought that “without God they could do nothing,” and that “he must give them both to will and to do,” and that “God must grant them repentance”—then there would be reason for imploring his assistance; but, when they acknowledge no such dependence upon God, why should they seek his aid?
Moreover, they are too wise, in their own estimation, to need the teachings of his Spirit.
They see, perhaps, their need of a revelation to discover to them the mind and will of God; but, when that is once given, they are not conscious that they need a spiritual illumination to truly understand the truths contained in it. They suppose their reason to be as sufficient for the investigation of spiritual, as of carnal things; and under that persuasion, they consider all application to God for the teachings of his Spirit, as enthusiastic and absurd.
Finally, they are too happy, in their own estimation, to need the divine presence.
They are occupied with carnal pleasure, and wish for nothing beyond it. If only they can have the undisturbed indulgence of their appetites—it is, to them, all the Paradise they desire. As for the light of God’s countenance, and the manifestations of his love—they know not what is meant by such things; they suppose that they exist only in the pretensions of hypocrites, and the conceits of fanatics.
In short, like those of Laodicea, they possess such an imaginary sufficiency within themselves, that they have no need of God at all! “They say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked!” Revelation 3:17. And hence it is that they have no desire to have God in all their thoughts.
INFERENCES.
1. How astonishing is the depravity of human nature!
If all are not equally addicted to gross sins—then all are equally “without God in the world! Ephesians 2:12.” All have a “carnal mind that is enmity against God! Romans 8:7.” Alas! What a picture of human nature! Let “every mouth then be stopped, and all the world become guilty before God! Romans 3:10-12; Romans 3:19.”
2. How great is the change that takes place in conversion!
The state of a converted soul forms a perfect contrast with that of the wicked. “Old things pass away, and all things become new.” Let all then ask themselves, Am I now devoting myself to God, as once I did to the world; and despising the world, as once I despised God? This is indeed “a new creation! 2 Corinthians 5:17.”
3. How necessary is conversion in order to an enjoyment of Heaven!
There must be within ourselves a fitness for Heaven before we can enjoy it, Colossians 1:12. Do not let those then who banish God from their thoughts, and cast off his yoke, suppose that they could be happy in Heaven, even if they were admitted there. If they would find happiness in God forever, they must somewhat attain in this world a conformity to his image, and a delight in his commandments.
Charles Simeon