Psalm 92:14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; I. THE DUTY OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 1. The fruits which may be expected of them. Knowledge, holiness, patience, meekness, quietness of spirit, renunciation of the world, preparedness for death, a heavenly conversation, also a deep concern for the honour of God, the support of religion, and the good of mankind. 2. How reasonable it is, that such fruits should be found in them. (1) From the nature of religion, as a vital principle, or the Divine life in the soul. True grace is growing. "A well of water springing up unto everlasting life."(2) Through the natural force of habit and custom. Having been so long in Christ's school, we reasonably expect that they should have made a great progress in knowledge and religious skill: that they will be expert in the exercises of devotion; have a greater command of their passions and tongues, than younger persons; and not be, like them, tossed about with every wind of doctrine, or the sport of vanity and temptation. (3) They have more advantages and fewer temptations than others. (4) They may expect peculiar assistances from the Spirit of God, in proportion to their many prayers and improvements. II. THE PRIVILEGE AND HAPPINESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS. "They shall flourish," etc. Time, which impairs their strength and everything else in the natural world, shall improve their graces, meliorate or refine their fruit. And this they are to expect from Divine influences attending the means of grace. The faithfulness of God is engaged to do this. Therefore the psalmist adds, "to show that the Lord is upright," or faithful to His promises. He then subjoins his own testimony to the truth of this: "He is my rock;" I have found Him kind, powerful and faithful in supporting the religious life in my soul, under all my difficulties and trials; and you will also find that "there is no unrighteousness in Him." III. APPLICATION. 1. Let aged Christians labour after greater fruitfulness. (1) For your own peace and comfort. (2) For the honour of God and your profession. (3) For an example and encouragement to others. 2. They who would bring forth fruit in old age must begin betimes to do so. 3. Learn the great usefulness of public ordinances. (Job Orton, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;WEB: They will still bring forth fruit in old age. They will be full of sap and green, |
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