Sin in a wicked man is like poison in a serpent; it is in it's natural place

Sin in a wicked man is like poison in a serpent; it is in it's natural place

Thomas Brooks, a 17th-century Puritan preacher and author, was known for his powerful and convicting sermons on sin and repentance. One of his most famous quotes is, “Sin in a wicked man is like poison in a serpent; it is in its natural place.” This profound statement speaks to the inherent nature of sin in the heart of a wicked person.

Brooks believed that sin was not just a mistake or a momentary lapse in judgment, but rather a deep-seated part of a person’s character. Just as poison is a natural part of a serpent’s venomous nature, sin is an integral part of a wicked person’s being. It is not something that can be easily removed or eradicated; it is ingrained in their very essence.

In the eyes of Brooks, sin was not just a moral failing, but a spiritual disease that corrupted the soul. He believed that sin had the power to enslave and destroy a person, leading them further away from God and into darkness. Just as poison slowly kills a serpent from the inside out, sin slowly eats away at the soul of a wicked person, leading them down a path of destruction and despair.

Brooks’ comparison of sin to poison in a serpent serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of allowing sin to take root in our lives. Just as a serpent’s poison is deadly and destructive, so too is the sin that lurks within the hearts of the wicked. It is a constant threat, ready to strike at any moment and bring about spiritual death.

However, Brooks also believed in the power of repentance and redemption. He preached that through faith in God and sincere repentance, even the most wicked of sinners could be saved and transformed. By turning away from sin and turning towards God, Brooks believed that anyone could find forgiveness and new life in Christ.