he children of men proved, and the happiness of godly people.
(1-5) God's favour is happiness. (6-8)
Verses 1-5: Hear me for thy mercy-sake, is our best plea. He who will
not ask such blessings as pardon, and justifying righteousness,
and eternal life, must perish for the want of them. Alas! that
so many should make so fearful a choice. The psalmist warns
against sin. Keep up holy reverence of the glory and majesty of
God. You have a great deal to say to your hearts, they may be
spoken with, let it not be unsaid. Examine them by serious
self-reflection; let your thoughts fasten upon that which is
good, and keep close to it. Consider your ways, and before you
turn to sleep at night, examine your consciences with respect to
what you have done in the day; particularly what you have done
amiss, that you may repent of it. when you awake in the night,
meditate upon God, and the things that belong to your peace.
Upon a sick-bed, particularly, we should consider our ways. Be
still. when you have asked conscience a question, be serious, be
silent, wait for an answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin.
All confidence must be pan answer. Open not the mouth to excuse
sin. All confidence only: therefore, after commanding the
sacrifices of righteousness, the psalmist says, Put your trust
in the Lord.
Verses 6-8: Wordly people inquire for good, not for the chief good; all
they want is outward good, present good, partial good, good
meat, good drink, a good trade, and a good estate; but what are
all these worth? Any good will serve the turn of most men, but a
gracious soul will not be put off so. Lord, let us have thy
favour, and let us know that we have it, we desire no more; let
us be satisfied of thy loving-kindness, and will be satisfied
with it. Many inquire after happiness, but David had found it.
When God puts grace in the heart, he puts gladness in the heart.
Thus comforted, he pitied, but neither envied nor feared the
most prosperous sinner. He commits all his affairs to God, and
is prepared to welcome his holy will. But salvation is in Christ
alone; where will those appear who despise him as their
Mediator, and revile him in his disciples? May they stand in
awe, and no longer sin against the only remedy.
he children of men proved, and the happiness of godly people.
(1-5) God's favour is happiness. (6-8)