Psalm 51:6 Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part you shall make me to know wisdom. 1. This thought summons us to earnestness and godly fear in our sense of sin. (1) Whenever, in consequence of their upbringing or favourable circumstances, the outward life is religious and unblameable, many flatter themselves with the thought that it is also well with the heart: at least, that although they have still many sins, the heart is not quite so bad as has been said. They regard themselves at least not as ungodly, and enemies of God. Oh, did they but know how the Lord proves and searches the heart, they would think otherwise. The Holy One sees the indwelling corruption of the heart. (2) How should this thought keep many a one from the superficial conversion with which men so often suffer themselves to be deceived. Whenever, upon a sick-bed, for example, there is a little anxiety about sin and questions about grace, the soul is at once comforted. Men are not aware that these feelings can easily be awakened, and also very lightly laid to sleep again. 2. This thought gives hope and comfort in the way of conversion. Nothing less will God have from the awakened soul: nothing more will the grace of God require from the penitent. 3. This thought strengthens faith for glorious expectations (Isaiah 61:8). (Andrew Murray.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.WEB: Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. |
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