Jeremiah 6:7 - Homiletics

Wells of wickedness.

I. IF WICKEDNESS IS ABUNDANT AND PERSISTENT , IF MUST COME FROM A DEEP SOURCE . The wickedness of Israel is constantly renewed—ever fresh and abundant, like water in a well. Such water must flow out of deep fountains. The continuity of a course of sin proves that its origin is deep seated. The sin of hasty temper is less than that of deliberate calculation, the fall before sudden temptation more excusable than the willful choice of evil, the occasional slip less culpable than the continuous habit of wickedness. This habitual sin must be rooted. in a man's nature. Springing out under all circumstances, it is seen to be, not an outside defect, but a fruit of his own inner life. Constantly flowing in spite of all restraints of law, social influence, and conscience, it shows how thoroughly corrupt the heart must be ( Matthew 15:18 ).

II. IF WICKEDNESS IS DEEP - SEATED IN THE HEART , IT MUST FLOW OUT IN FREQUENT ACTS . The spring cannot restrain its waters; the heart cannot repress its imaginations. These must come forth and express themselves in deeds. Men may aim at living two lives—an inner life of sin and an outer life of propriety; but the attempt must ultimately fail. The greater the evil of the heart, the more completely must this color the life.

III. DEEP - SEATED AND EVER - FLOWING WICKEDNESS PROVOKES THE SEVEREST JUDGMENT FROM GOD . Jeremiah points to this as the terrible justification for the approaching desolation of the land.

1. In itself it is most heinous, and carries the greatest guilt.

2. It is so radically evil that it impregnates the whole nature of the people in whom it dwells, so that they cannot be regarded as doers of wickedness only, but as wicked; not as those who have committed acts of dishonesty, untruth, violence, etc; but as thieves, liars, murderers, etc.

3. Ever-flowing, it promises no better things for the future. If left to itself, it will but repeat the sickening tale of the past with aggravated depravity.

4. It is the source of evil to others. The sin flows out. It must be checked for the protection of all who come under its influence.