Jeremiah 23:14

They strengthen also the hands of evil-doers.

Strengthening the hands of the wicked

1. All sin is horrible in its nature, as being contrary to the character and will of God.

2. To strengthen the hands and hinder the repentance of sinners is to oppose the great plan of the Divine government.

3. It tends to the misery of mankind, and is the reverse of that benevolence which ought to govern us in all our conduct.

4. It is to operate with that evil spirit who works in the children of disobedience.

5. It is a horrible thing, because we thus become partakers of their sins.

6. It is directly contrary to God’s commands, and marked with His peculiar abhorrence. (J. Lathrop, D. D.)