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I. A HUMILIATING FACT IMPLIED. Sin seals the lips.

1. In our approaches to God, sin is a barrier to all spiritual freedom. When overwhelmed with guilt and shame, the soul is ready to exclaim with David (Psalm 77:4; Psalm 88:8).

2. Sin prevents us speaking for God as well as to God. When our conduct is consistent we say with Paul (2 Corinthians 6:11), and with David (Psalm 66:16). But when our conduct gives a lie to our profession, our admonitions will be retorted upon us, "Physician, heal thyself." When a man sins thus he has but little to say for God.

II. AN IMPORTANT REQUEST MADE. "O Lord, open Thou," etc.

1. To whom was this prayer offered? To God. He only can unloose our tongues.

2. By whom was this request made? A convinced sinner. His heart was humbled.

3. The request itself. "Open," etc. He knew the cause must be removed. Sins must be pardoned. Guilt cancelled. The Spirits must be imparted before there is an ability to praise God (vers. 1, 4, 7, 15).

III. DELIGHTFUL SERVICE PLEDGED. "My lips shall praise Thee."

1. A deep conviction of God's mercy.

2. A sensibility of personal obligation.

3. A fixed determination. "My lips shall," etc. Here observe —

(1) Praise is the least return we can make for so great a blessing. When overwhelmed with guilt, we were ready to say (Micah 6:6, 7), God does not require this (ver. 16). Surely we ought to praise Him.

(2) Praise is due to God alone. He has done the work, and the glory should be His (Psalm 34:1-4; 1 Peter 2:9).

(3) More praise is due for pardoning mercy than for all the blessings of this life. This comprehends all (Romans 8:82).

(4) A sense of forgiving love enlarges and fits the soul for acts of praise (Psalm 126:1, 2; Isaiah 38:17-29).

(5) Forgiveness of sins furnishes matter for praise (Psalm 40:1-3; Psalm 103:1-4).

(H. Woodcock.)

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KJV: O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

WEB: Lord, open my lips. My mouth shall declare your praise.