Sermon 74, Job 20:8-15
“Let us pray that God will not allow us to find a pleasant taste in our vices but that he will give us prudence so that we will be able to make distinctions and not be deceived by an empty sweetness that we will experience in our sins with the first taste.”
This is prompted by Zophar saying “If wickedness is sweet in his mouth, he will hide it under his tongue.”
The sermon speaks at length about the plight of the successful wicked. Those that appear to be doing great, but are sinful. They will be punished.
I am struck by how much self examination is recommended by scripture and, by extension, Calvin. Yet, simultaneously, we are to be helpful, active, loving members of a community. We should be actively helping others, and scourging ourselves. Be nice to others but loathe yourself.