Re: Verse reading–Psalm 53 (day six)
“THEY are corrupt. . .you put THEM to shame.” (vs 1, 5) It is an easy mistake to make. To see clearly the sinfulness in others while missing it (or dismissing it) in ourselves. Giving ourselves the “benefit of the doubt.” Applying a harsh standard to others. In Psalm 53 David describes accurately the sins of the world. What he lacks (at least in this song) is an honest accounting of the sins of Israel. Paul will not make the same mistake. When he quotes David in Romans 3:1, 10, 23, his point is that we are ALL sinners. Including himself! (See Romans 7 “What I want to do, I don’t do. In fact, I practise the very evil that I hate.”) Jesus taught us to be as careful and critical of our own sin as that which we see in others. “First take the log out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5)
Unfortunately, I needed to be reminded of this. Thanks for the post.