Verses 9-10. The sick man's moan, a reminder to those who enjoy good health.
Verses 9-10. The sick man's moan, a reminder to those who enjoy good health.
Verse 10. My strength faileth because of mine iniquity. The weakening influence of sin.
Verse 11. . The good man evil spoken of.
Verses 12-15 .
Forgot as those who in the grave abide,
And as a broken vessel past repair,
Slandered by many, fear on every side.
Who counsel take and would my life ensnare.
But, Lord, my hopes on thee are fixed: I said,
Thou art my God, my days are in thy hand;
Against my furious foes oppose thy aid,
And those who persecute my soul withstand.
— George Sandys.
Verse 12. The world's treatment of its best friends.
Verse 14. Faith peculiarly glorious in season of great trial.
Verse 15. The believer the peculiar care of providence.
Verse 15. ( first clause ). 1. The character of the earthly experience of the saints, "My times, "that is, the changes I shall pass through, etc.
2. The advantage of this variety.
(a) Changes reveal the various aspects of the Christian character.
(b) Changes strengthen the Christian character.
(c) Changes lead us to admire an unchanging God.
3. Comfort for all seasons.
(a) This implies the changes of life are subject to the divine control.
(b) That God will support his people under them.
(c) And, consequently, they shall result in our being abundantly profited.
4. The deportment which should characterise us. Courageous devotion to God in times of persecution; resignation and contentment in times of poverty and suffering; zeal and hope in times of labour. —From Stems and Twigs, or Sermon Framework.
Verse 16. A sense of divine favour.
1. Its value.
2. How to lose it.
3. How to obtain a renewal of it.
4. How to retain it.
The heavenly servant's best reward.
Verse 16. ( last clause ). A prayer for saints in all stages. Note its object, save me; and its plea, Thy mercies' sake. Suitable to the penitent, the sick, the doubting, the tried, the advanced believer, the dying saint.
Verse 17. The shame and silence of the wicked in eternity. The silence of the grave, its grave eloquence.
Verse 19. See "Spurgeon's Sermons," No. 773." David's Holy Wonder at the Lord's Great Goodness."
Verse 20. The believer preserved from the sneers of arrogance by a sense of the divine presence, and kept from the bitterness of slander by the glory of the King whom he serves.
Verse 21. Marvellous kindness. Marvellous that it should come to me in such a way, at such a time, in such a measure, for so long.
Verse 21. Memorable events in life to be observed, recorded, meditated on, repeated, made the subject of gratitude, and the ground of confidence.
Verse 22. Unbelief confessed and faithfulness adored. The mischief of hasty speeches.
Verse 23. An exhortation to love the Lord. 1. The matter of it, love the Lord.
2. To whom addressed, all ye his saints.
3. By whom spoken.
4. With what arguments supported, for the Lord preserveth , etc.
Verse 24. Holy courage. Its excellences, difficulties, encouragements, and triumphs.