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I. THE PEOPLE OF GOD MUST EXPECT TO BE CORRECTED FOR THEIR SINS.

1. For the good of the soul. It has compelled many to say, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; for before I was afflicted I went astray."

2. For the conversion of the soul. But why does the rod of correction fall upon Christians?

3. To wean the heart from self-righteousness.

4. To make the backslider sensible of his guilt.

5. Moreover, the corrections of Christians are designed to prepare them for greater mercies, and for future glory.

II. SHOULD THE LORD CORRECT HIS PEOPLE IN ANGER, THEY MUST PERISH BEFORE HIM. "The Lord Most High is terrible." If His wrath be kindled, yea, but a little, who can abide the clay of His coming? Hence both David and Jeremiah, "Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger," etc., were persuaded, that, if the righteous Governor of the world should visit them in His wrath, their spirits would fail before Him. The stoutest heart must tremble at His reproof. The most fearless must be filled with dismay if they fall into the hands of the living God.

III. The text contains THE PRAYER OF AN AWAKENED AND CONTRITE SOUL, that God would correct him with judgment, and not in anger. The word judgment is here used in the sense of discernment, in the same manner as in the seventh Psalm. "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day": that is, He observes and regards the way of His servants, but His indignation burns against the ungodly and the sinner. When the prophet cries, "O Lord, correct me, but with judgment," he prays that the Lord would correct him with discernment; that is, that He would remember that he was but dust, and so temper the chastisement with wisdom, love, and mercy, that instead of crushing him it may make him a more humble and dutiful child, and a more faithful and devoted servant. There are certain seasons when this prayer is peculiarly suitable and proper.

1. When the mind is deeply humbled before God under a sense of guilt and misery.

2. The supplication in the text is suitable to every returning backslider. True, I deserve to perish, but Thy dear Son is the Saviour of sinners. For His sake, "pardon mine iniquity, for it is great." I crave Thy mercy in His name; and entreat Thee to restore my soul to the paths of righteousness and peace.

3. In the prospect or under the pressure of any temporal calamity we shall need this prayer.

(R. W. Alton.)

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KJV: O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

WEB: Yahweh, correct me, but in measure: not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.