The false staff.
"The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked." True of the King of Babylon, this is true also of every evil man. It was a sentence that God commanded to be taken up as a proverb against him, and it may be illustrated as a universal proverb in all ages and nations. Men lean on a staff; and unless God be the Rod and the Staff, assuredly it will be broken.
I. HEALTH IS A STAFF. Men lean on that. A well-organized frame and a well-strung nervous system cause men to mistake the tranquil composure of good spirits for the peace which only religion can bestow. Then comes the season of affliction; the silver cord, if not loosened, is weakened; the golden bowl, symbol of the brain, if not broken, is sadly shaken; and with broken health, all else seems broken too. The spirits fail, the inspirations of enterprise and endeavor are weakened, and the proud staff is broken.
II. WEALTH IS A STAFF. Wicked men find that money "answereth all things." It is the key that unlocks the gates of art and travel, and the loadstone that draws genius and beauty to their festivals. It seems a strong support, and, leaning on it, many are tempted to pity the noblest hero if he be poor, and the rarest intellect if it be linked with low estate. But riches take to themselves wings and flee away. The bank breaks, the factory burns, the funds fall, the mines are exhausted; and then, with the departure of riches, departs also feigned affection and the flatterer's praise. "How hath the golden city ceased!"
III. POWER IS A STAFF. They shall say (Isaiah 14:4), "How hath the oppressor ceased!" etc. For wicked men often have such power over others that they can use them for their evil schemes, and bribe them so that they tell no tales that shall bring shame and dishonor. But this does not last. Some "revealing hour" comes. The man that has been "lifted up" is laid low; he can no longer use his old power. Lost character has left him discrowned. Even worldly men will not trust him now. The Josephs are honored; the Daniels are trusted. The Mordecais are doomed. No staff will support in life or death but the old staff: "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."—W.M.S.
HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON