Psalm 112:4

The principle of the text, being a general and universal truth, ought to be applicable to matters of faith, to matters of experience, and to matters of practice.

I. Matters of faith. By matters of faith are meant those revealed truths which are to be apprehended by us, and accepted, and held fast, and turned to perpetual use for guidance, health, salvation. We all begin in darkness. And we get into the light, not in an easy, natural, irresistible manner, but by hints and suggestions at first, by help of broken gleams, and through falling shadows, through doubts, and uncertainties, and frequent misconception, by gropings, and hesitations, and discoveries, held often in the restriction of our own narrowness, circumscribed always by necessary limits, liable always to mistakes, and at no time holding the complete and perfect truth. "Unto the upright light ariseth." "He that doeth the will of God shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God." Inward loyalty to truth, the fine, pure temper of sincerity, the habit of obedience—these are wonderful revealers.

II. Matters of experience. There are many who, at least to their own consciousness, seem to have before them, and quite clearly, truth enough to do all they long for: to rule their lives sweetly and bring their hearts in childlike trust to God. And yet the constant trouble is that these and the like things are not done. They have darkness of the heart and no light arising. Yes, but it will arise. Unto the upright it ariseth, everywhere, in everything, and therefore assuredly in things of the heart. Only be sure you seek heart-light "lawfully." It is fruit, and not root. It is consequence, not cause. Seek first the righteousness of the inward kingdom, and the light will come out of that.

III. The text is true in matters of practice. We must go along the line that seems the line of duty. "Light is sown for the righteous;" but, like all living seed, it takes a while to spring. The days of sowing are sometimes chill and dark. The bright harvest days will make amends for all.

A. Raleigh, The Little Sanctuary, p. 232.

References: Psalm 112:4.—E. Bersier, Sermons, 2nd series, pp. 273, 286. Psalm 112:6.—A. P. Stanley, Good Words, 1877, p. 548. Psalm 112:7.—Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. xi., No. 647; Ibid., Morning by Morning, p. 259. Psalm 113:7, Psalm 113:8.—Ibid., Sermons, vol. xi., No. 658. Psalm 113:8.—Ibid., Evening by Evening, p. 209.