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Mark the perfect, and behold the upright: for the man of peace hath a future [or, 'posterity']. In contrast to the wicked spoken of in the next verse (38). This whole psalm is a record of human experience.

I. THE STUDY OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE IN THE LIGHT OF HUMAN CHARACTER IS MOST INSTRUCTIVE.

1. Every maws life is in the main an embodiment either of the Law of God or of the law of self. Intellectual life, a life of knowledge or of ignorance, of wisdom or foolishness. But the moral life is the grandest, as exhibiting obedience or disobedience to the eternal laws of God.

2. The moral life shows the consequences of living the one life or the other. The shame and misery of the one, and the peace and blessedness of the other. Difference is life or death.

II. WHAT THE STUDY OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S LIFE REVEALS.

1. It brings him internal peace. And in the main outward peace; but if not, the peace of trust and rest in God. Peace in life and peace in death.

2. He transmits righteousness to his posterity.

(1) By the influence of his example and teaching. His words and his character are reproduced in his children; he lives again in them, perhaps a higher life than he lived, according to the law of progress. May be exceptions.

(2) By hereditary transmission. Moral as well as physical qualities descend to our children, and to children's children. How grand a motive for a pure, noble, Christian life! Goodness runs in the family blood. - S.

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KJV: Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

WEB: Mark the perfect man, and see the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.