Psalms 119:158

I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not Thy Word.

Christian grief over transgressors

One of the influences and results of true piety on the heart is to move its sensibilities on behalf of the interests and welfare of others. One example out of many is presented to us in the text, the author of which was most probably Ezra, to whom, as the priest of Jehovah, pertained the duty of purifying the people from their abominations on their return from captivity, and of settling the institutions by which, when restored to the land of their forefathers, they were to be recovered. He had taken a survey of the state of society, both in his own country and in other nations, and his spirit was stirred within him.

I. A contemplation of the prevalent habits and character of mankind. “I beheld the transgressors.”

1. God has actually established a law for the government of mankind.

2. There is amongst mankind a prevalent and a fearfully extended rebellion against this law.

3. The case of those who are in the attitude of rebellion against the Divine law should, by pious minds, be made the matter of frequent and serious contemplation.

II. A record of the emotions which this contemplation properly and specially produces upon the pious mind. “I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved.”

1. For what reasons this emotion must be excited.

(1) Because transgression is so insulting to God.

(2) Because transgression is so fatal to the happiness of mankind.

2. To what conduct this emotion should prompt.

(1) To personal nonconformity and separation from the transgressions which we witness, and over which we mourn.

(2) To personal exertion in the diffusion of that truth which God has appointed as the instrument to reconcile and to save. (J. Parsons.)

Tearful concern for the godless

The evangel is not in the first place a denunciation of sin, nor a pronouncement of punishment. It is an announcement of good news. “Dr. Dale once said to me in his study that he knew of only one man who had the right to speak of the possibility of a soul being lost. ‘Who is that?’ I inquired; and he answered, ‘Dwight Lyman Moody. The reason is that he never did it without tears in his voice, and never without passing on to proclaim how that man could be saved.’” (Campbell Morgan.)