The proud have forged a lie against me.
The slanderer, the corrupt, the pious
I. The tongue of the slanderer. Slander is--
1. Malicious. Its inspiration is envy, jealousy, or revenge.
2. Mischievous. It often lacerates a man’s heart, and destroys his good name, which may be dearer than life. “He that steals my purse,” etc.
3. Cowardly. The man who confronts another, strikes him with fist or sword, shows some bravery. But he who injures a man by slander is a miserable sneak.
II. The heart of the corrupt. “As fat as grease”--insensible to moral motives. All the moral nerves of the soul are benumbed by sin.
III. The avowal of the pious. The avowal--
1. Of a good resolution.
2. Of a blessed experience. Affliction evermore serves the good. (Homilist.)