Psalm 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. When David said to his enemies, "Commune with your own heart," he seemed to refer them to their better judgment, when their temper was unruffled and their passions not excited. Without supposing any of you under the influence of a hateful, persecuting spirit against true godliness, it may yet, suitably and profitably, be said to every one of you, "Commune with your own heart." The exhortation might be addressed to each distinct class of men. I. THE UNCONVERTED. Why are you unwilling to be called unconverted sinners? What is the reason you are displeased? Be candid with yourself. Does not your displeasure arise from a secret consciousness that the charge is true, and a dislike to be reminded of it? Let me exhort you to "commune with your own heart." Take counsel now within, and consider with yourselves what is the use of performing a service which God does not accept, nay, that is really offensive to Him; for "the sacrifice of the wicked is abomination unto the Lord"? II. THE CONVERTED. You that know the truth, and serve the Lord Jesus. Some considerations render such an exhortation peculiarly suitable at the present time. 1. The remarkable character of the religion of the present day. It is an age of energy and activity, of zeal and excitement. 2. Satan is ever on the watch to do us harm. Another reason why it is seasonable to exhort you to "commune with your own hearts." You have been invited to receive the sacrament. Self-examination is the constant habit of every Christian. But before we come to that holy feast, we have more than ordinary need to examine ourselves. (R. W. Dibdin, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.WEB: Stand in awe, and don't sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. |
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