Proverbs 11:18 - Homilies By E. Johnson

The principle of recompense

I. EVERY ACTION IS A SECONDARY CAUSE AND IS FOLLOWED BY ITS CORRESPONDING EFFECT .

II. THE EFFECT CORRESPONDS IN KIND AND IN DEGREE TO THE CAUSE .

III. HUMAN CONDUCT MAY THUS BE VIEWED AS A SOWING FOLLOWED BY REAPING WORK BY WAGES , ACTION BY REACTION .

IV. THE GAIN OF THE WICKED IS DECEPTION ILLUSORY . Illustrations: Pharaoh's attempt to decrease Israel resulted in their increase and his own destruction. Caiaphas seeking by murderous expediency to save the nation brought about its ruin. The persecution of the Church at Jerusalem led to the greater diffusion of the gospel ( Acts 8:1-40 .).

V. THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS STABLE AND SURE . Illustrations: The patient continuance in well doing of Noah, Abraham, Joseph. Compare the sowing of St. Paul in tears, e.g. at Philippi ( Acts 16:1-40 ), with his joyous reaping, as his Epistle to the Philippians witnesses. The reward is eternal— "a crown of righteousness that. fadeth not away." "What we weave in time we shall wear in eternity."—J.