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I. ETHICAL INSTRUCTION IS INSTRUCTION IN DUTY. There is no knowledge so important as the knowledge of our obligations to ourselves, to society, and to God. Scientific instruction is nothing to this, even theological instruction is not to be compared to this in importance. Ethical instruction is the great want of man. This instruction is here represented as instruction in the "statutes," the law, "commandments, testimonies." All words representing the same thing — duty.

II. ETHICAL INSTRUCTION IS TO BE SOUGHT OF GOD. There is no teaching so difficult as effectual moral teaching. Men are more disposed to learn anything rather than their duty — history, science, philosophy, anything. Hence God alone can effectually teach it.

III. ETHICAL INSTRUCTION IS TO BE SOUGHT OF GOD IN ORDER TO BE PRACTISED. Why does the author of these words pray for God to instruct him in His commandments? In order that he might speculate in moral science and talk eloquently on such subjects? No; but in order that he might "keep it unto the end," "observe it with my whole heart," "go in the path of Thy commandments." Moral knowledge is to be practised.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

WEB: Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.