Reuben's Sin

    "And Israel heard it." Yes, the foul deed did not remain covered; although, no doubt, every means of secrecy was employed. The Providence of God takes care to bring to light the works of darkness in his people. The case of David, and many others, fully confirm this. God sees in darkness as in the light, and when his people, in their departure from his laws, seek to hide themselves from him and from the world, he will publish their shame in the face of day. This ought to be an additional guard on the conduct of the people of God; and they ought to do nothing that will not bear the light. What is said in the ear or the closet will be proclaimed on the housetops. It is a grievous thing to bring a reproach on the cause of God, and by one's conduct stumble others, so as to prevent them from entering the kingdom of heaven. In this peculiarity of his Providence the wisdom of God is characteristic, and distinguished from that of men. Every man would hide the disgrace of those whom he loves. God makes it manifest. Christians are commanded to cover one another's faults; but God is not under law; and though he loves us infinitely beyond our love to one another, yet he puts his people to open shame, when they sin in secret.