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Whether God visits with affliction, with adversity, or prosperity, yet all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, to bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.

I. HE LOOKETH UPON MAN. As a Creator. As the Governor of the world. As a holy Being. As the Judge of men. As a compassionate parent looks upon his family.

II. THE PENITENT MAN LOOKING UP TO GOD.

1. "I have sinned." This supposes reflection. "I thought on my ways." This supposes self-abhorrence. "Woe is me, for I am undone." This supposes godly sorrow, sorrow for sin. I have sinned. My sin has brought misery and evil upon myself, and exposed me to future punishment.

2. "And perverted that which was right." These words may be considered in reference to the dispensations of providence, whether prosperous or adverse. They are perverted by man. Man perverteth his way as to opinion; as to moral practice; for interest or gain, as well as pleasure.

III. THE MERCIFUL DETERMINATION OF GOD IN BEHALF OF THE PENITENT. "He will deliver his soul from going down to the pit, and his life shall see the light." These expressions are sometimes used for deliverance from natural death to life and health. Sometimes these expressions are used figuratively for deliverance from distress, and restoration to happiness. God will hear our cry, and deliver us out of all our troubles.

(J. Walker, D. D.)

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KJV: He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;

WEB: He sings before men, and says, 'I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it didn't profit me.