Judges 17

v1-5: “When those who have been guilty of a wrong appear to be free and open in acknowledging it, they ought to be commended for their repentance rather than be continually condemned and rebuked for the wrong.”

v6: The state of corruption in Israel was due to there being no king or other leader to convince the people “of the error of [their] ways and restrain and punish [them].” It is a great blessing to people when a nation has good leaders, but more so, when a local church does too.

v7-13: Many people “deceive themselves into good thoughts about their own condition.” What is the cause of this deception? “Human pride, ignorance, and self-flattery will lead people to try, not only to justify, but also to exalt and consecrate, ungodly activities and shameless acts that disobey God.”