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1. When we say that without God's assistance none can be able to praise Him, we must take it with two qualifications.

(1) Cannot do it commendably, in a holy and spiritual manner, as it becomes Christians to do it.(a) There is a general aversion in our natures to any good work in s spiritual manner to be performed; there is no work of grace whatsoever but of ourselves we are indisposed much unto it; and without Christ we can do nothing at all (John 15:5).(b) There is a more special averseness in our natures to this good works of thanksgiving in particular. Sometimes out of pride, because we will not acknowledge our dependence, which in thanksgiving is emphatically done; sometimes out of discontent and repining, as not thinking we have so much given us as we could expect or desire to have; and sometimes also out of a natural dulness, and sluggishness, and stupidity upon us; these things make the work averse unto us; and because they do so, they therefore convince us that without the help and assistance of God Himself, they cannot do it. Cannot do it, i.e. do it commendably, in an holy spiritual manner, as becometh Christians.

(2) Cannot do it acceptably, so as God Himself may be well-pleased with us in the doing of it. Those whose lips God Himself does not open, they cannot utter His praise so as He may accept of it, and take it well at their hands. All kind of praising of God, and from all persons, is not acceptable to Him (Proverbs 15:8; Isaiah 1:11; Psalm 1:16). Therefore Scripture, when it speaks of giving thanks, and showing forth praise, it still makes Christ to be the only medium and conveyance of it (Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 13:15). Those that give thanks, and not in Christ, they cannot give thanks acceptably, which is consequently the condition of those whose lips God will not open for it; so as none partake of the Spirit of Christ, but those who are indeed the servants of Christ.

2. We see here, then, what great cause we have in all our undertakings of this service, to go to God Himself for it, and to desire Him to help us herein, and not to go about such a duty as this is in our own strength.

3. There is a double qualification considerable as to the performing of the work of praise among other good works. First, a general qualification of the person, sanctifying his lips and mouth for such a service at large. And, secondly, a particular qualification of the person, as enabling him to this particular performance and service which he is now undertaking; and this latter is that which David refers to in this particular place; God had opened his lips in general before, in his first conversion, when He had framed him according to His heart, and so fitted him for all the duties of religion to be performed by him, and this duty of praise amongst the rest.

(Thomas Horton, D. D.)

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KJV: O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

WEB: Lord, open my lips. My mouth shall declare your praise.