---

Some follow religion merely for safety from penalty, some merely for its excitement, and others for gain; but the psalmist desires to be "right" just because it is right, and does not make ashamed.

I. THE PRAYER. "Let my heart be sound."

1. It is a definite prayer. Holiness means wholeness — sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

2. It is a personal prayer. "Let my heart."

II. THE OCCASION for this prayer.

1. After the excitements of conversion.

2. In a time of temptation.

3. When engaged in self-examination.

4. In times of persecution.

5. In times of work and witnessing for the Saviour.

6. In affliction.

III. A STRONG REASON for this prayer. "That I be not ashamed."

1. That I be not ashamed of the profession I have made.

2. That I be not ashamed before men, in the ship, in the shop, at the polling booth; that I may live respected and die lamented.

3. That I may not be ashamed before God at His coming, but joyfully hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant," etc.

(D. Brotchie.)

---

---

KJV: Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

WEB: Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed. KAF