Hangmen
The sermon warns against the deception of worldly riches, which cannot enrich the soul and may lead to spiritual emptiness.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of worldly riches, arguing that they are deceptive and ultimately detrimental to the soul. He likens them to hangmen that obscure one's true self and lead to spiritual demise, as they cannot enrich the soul or provide lasting fulfillment. Brooks warns that while people may be adorned in wealth, many possess threadbare souls, and he reminds listeners that riches are fleeting and can vanish at any moment.
Text
As for worldly riches, the godly have always despised them,
and preferred a contemplative life above them! The prophet
calls them "thick clay," which will sooner break the back, than
lighten the heart. Worldly riches cannot better the soul, they
cannot enrich the soul. Ah! how many threadbare souls are to
be found under silken cloaks and gowns!
How often are worldly riches like hangmen, they hide men's
faces with a covering, that they may not see their own end,
and then they hang them! And if they do not hang you--they
will shortly leave you! They will "make themselves wings and
fly away!" Proverbs 23:5
Sermon Outline
- I. The Godly's View of Worldly Riches
- A. Despising worldly riches
- B. Preferring a contemplative life
- II. The Nature of Worldly Riches
- A. Like 'thick clay' that weighs us down
- B. Cannot enrich the soul
- III. The Deception of Worldly Riches
- A. Hiding our true state
- B. Leading to spiritual emptiness
Key Quotes
“Worldly riches cannot better the soul, they cannot enrich the soul.” — Thomas Brooks
“Ah! how many threadbare souls are to be found under silken cloaks and gowns!” — Thomas Brooks
“How often are worldly riches like hangmen, they hide men's faces with a covering, that they may not see their own end,” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should not rely on worldly riches for our happiness and fulfillment.
- A contemplative life, focused on God and spiritual growth, is a more valuable pursuit.
- We must be aware of the deception of worldly riches and their potential to lead to spiritual emptiness.