HOMILETICS. Vera. 1, 2.-Thc godly man, This psalm nobly fills the place of prologue to the whole Book of Psalms. It reminds us of our Saviour's words when Nathanael drew near: "Behold an Israelite indeed ! " With that marvellous, condensed fulness and grapliic force which peculiarly mark the Scriptures, it draws the portrait of the godly man. If we compare the Old Testament picture of" an Israelite indeed" with the N cw Testament picture of the true believer-" a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith," we find no discord, only a fulness, richness, tenderness, power, in the latter, impossible before the Light of the world shone on human hearts and lives. 'l'hc one is like a clear, perfect outline; the other, like the painting which adds to the outline colour, light, and shadow. re. 1. 1-6.] 'l'HE BOOK OF PSALMS. 3
I. The godly man is described NEGATIVELY, in sharp contrast with the un<>odly. 'l'hoy nro as little to his mind 118 he to theirs. The Revised Ver8ion hero gives a strictor rendering-" wicked." But our English word "ungodly" expresses the real esscnco of nil wickedness, the secret spring of sin (comp. Pss. liv. 3; xxxvi. 1; Jer. ii. 13). 1. He is not guided by this world's mazims, walks not "in the counsel "-by tho rule, of those who leave God out of their reckoning. N.B.-The chief thing in life is the counsel-plan, ruling principles, and maxims-by which it is guided. E.g. ono man's aim in life is "to die rich; " another's motto," Short life and merry; " another's, "To me to live is Christ." 2. His conduct, therefore, openly contrasts. "Nor standeth," etc. Closely associated, it may be, in business, society, public affairs; for else he "must needs go out of the world" (1 Cor. v. 10); yet, as his aim is not theirs, so their means are not his means, nor their path his path (Prov. iv. 14, 15). Business life bas temptations from which recluse life is free, but also opportunities for witnessing for truth and Christ. 3. His chosen company corresponds with counsel and conduct. "Nor sitteth," etc. Not frequenting their haunts, sharing their revels, making them his bosom friends (Prov. i. 15; xiii. 20). N.B.-A steady progress in sin is indicated -walking, standing, sitting. First, stepping aside from the right path into crooked ways in compliance with evil counsel; secondly, continuing a line of conduct con- science condemns; at last, sitting down at the banquet of sinful pleasure, conscience drugged or seared, God openly despised. A picture of how many lives once bright with hope! II. POSITIVELY, by one unmistakable, distinguishing mark: delight in God's Law. 1. The written Word is dear to him. The primary reference is, of course, to the Law of Moses, of which every letter was dear and sacred to the devout Israelite. How much dearer should the completed Scriptures be to the Christian (1 John i.17) ! 2. The deep spiritual truth of God's Word engages his profound study, is "the rejoicing of his heart" (Jer. xv. 16; Col. iii. 16). Take Ps. cxix. as the consummate expression of the value of God's Law to a mind taught by God's Spirit. Note the great principles embodied-that God rules by law; that each of us stands in direct relation to God, as subject to his Law; that this Law is plainly revealed. N.B.-No Israelite, however ungodly, could call in question the fact that God spake to and by Moses, without pouring contempt on the law and constitution of his country ; this was the corner- stone. 3. He loves God's Law as the practical guide of his life (comp. John viii. 12, 31, 32). CONCLUSION, This picture is realized in ideal perfection in our Lord Jesus. All the severity of vers. 4-6 is found in his denunciations of the impenitent cities, of guilty Jerusalem, of the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees, of wilful unbelievers (John xii. 48). But joined to this is the tender, sympathizing compassion, gracious humility, Divine love and forgiveness which made him "who knew no sin" the "Friend of sinners"- " able to be touched with the feeling of our infirmities," as well as "able to save to the uttermost" (Heb. vii. 25, 26; iv. 15; Matt. ix. 10-13). Ver. 3.-" He shall be like a tree," etc. Among the costly works in which King Solomon exercised his wisdom and displayed his magnificence were gardens rich in fruit trees and watered by channels and reservoirs (Eccles. i. 5, 6). Among these would be citrons and oranges, with their lustrous evergreen leaves and golden fruit; palms also, which love water and soil free from all foul decay and refuse. Some have fancied the similitude taken from the oleanders abounding by the streams of Cana.an; but its fruit is poison ; no one cares to plant it. An evergreen, fruit-bearing tree is here the bright image of the prosperous soul. (Solomon very possibly the author.) I. THE BEORET OF A GODLY LIFE. Source and sustenance. "Planted," not self- sown, not dropped into its place by chance-planted by God's own band (Jas. i. 18). "By the waters,'' drawing life and freshness from an unfailing source (Isa. iv. 14; vii. 37-39; xv. 4). Some lives that make a fair show are like trees whose roots run near the surface-the storm uproots them. The soul "rooted" in Christ (Col. ii. 7) is as the pine, sending down so strong a tap-root that the avalanche may break the trunk, but cannot uproot it. II. lTs FRUITFULNESS. "Bringeth forth," etc. (comp. 2 Pet. i. 8; contrast Jude 12; see Gal. v. 22; Isa. xv. 6-8). Good deeds are fruitful deeds. "'l'he season" may 4 THE BOOK OF PSALMS. [PB. I, 1-6, --·------------------------------ tarry, but it will come (Jas. v. 7; Gal. vi. 9, 10). Dut if we "abide in Christ" our fru!t will be alw~ys in season, like the orauge, covered with fragrant flowers,' green fruit and ripe fruit all at once-full of beauty aud hope, as well as food. HI. ITs SECURITY A1''1J VIGOUR. "Its leaf shall not wither." Everarcen. 'J.'he pr}i;nars: reference_may be to o~twa.rd prosp~rity, like Joseph's (Gen. xxxix. 2°-5, 23; see 1 11111. 1v. 8). Sickness, accident, hard times, losses through the failure or dishonesty of ot.hers, may befall the child of God as well as the child of tho world • but the n~tum! tcn_dency of thorough integrity, of tho_ diligence of one who does e~erything "·1th his might as unto the Lord, and of the wisdom, courage, and good temper which are among the fruits of the Spirit, and the guidance of God's providence in answer to prayer, is to bring prosperity (Ps. xxxvii. 4--7; Phil. iv. 4-7). Yet observe, the Old Testament, as fully as the New, teaches the need and benefit of adversity (Prov. iii, 11, 12; Ps. xxxiv. 17-19). Dut there is prosperity that fears no chanae, glory that fades not, labour that cannot be lost (3 John 2; 1 Pet. i. 4; v. 4; 1 Cor. ;v, 58).