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I. THE CULTIVATION OF MORAL WORTH AMONGST YOUNG PEOPLE IS OF VAST IMPORTANCE TO A STATE. The moral character which the patriot here desiderates for the young people of his country is presented in two ways.

1. By a moral contrast (ver. 11).

2. By a metaphorical description (ver. 12).

(1)  Growth.

(2)  Strength.

(3)  Beauty.

II. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE MORAL WORTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE PHYSICAL PROSPERITY OF A COUNTRY. The patriot prays for the moral excellence of the young people, not merely for their own sake, but also for the sake of the prosperity of the state (vers. 13-15).

1. All the provisions necessary to the material happiness of mankind must come from the earth. All the food we require — vegetable and animal — and all the clothing we require, God has shut up in the earth, as in a chest, for our use. There in their rudimental elements are the corn and the cattle, the costumes to screen us from the scorching sun and protect us from the cold winds.

2. These provisions require for their development the suitable agency of man. It is for man to unlock the chest, to bring out the germs and to cultivate them into fruition. Even Paradise would not yield provisions without the tilling hand of Adam.

3. This suitable agency can only be guaranteed by the moral rectitude of the population. A high moral tone of character will stimulate the study of agricultural science, ensure industry, economy and temperance. Thus "godliness is profitable to all things." Thus, and thus only, can a state prosper (ver. 15).

(David Thomas, D. D.)

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KJV: Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:

WEB: Rescue me, and deliver me out of the hands of foreigners, whose mouths speak deceit, whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.