Homilist Psalm 90:12-17 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.… Moses prays — I. FOR A RIGHT ESTIMATE AS TO THE DURATION OF LIFE. "Teach us to number our days," etc., 1. There is a certain judgment to be formed as to the duration of our earthly life. The prayer does not mean that we should know the hour, scene, or circumstance of our end; but that we should have a practical impression that life is temporary and preparative. 2. There is a tendency in man to neglect to form a true estimate of life. "All men think all men mortal but themselves." 3. The formation of a correct judgment is essential to practical wisdom (ver. 12). II. For a RESTORATION TO THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE. 1. Divine favour (ver. 13). The meaning is, remove the sense of Thy displeasure, bless us with the consciousness of Thy favour. 2. True satisfaction (ver. 14). Let the satisfaction be early. Come at once. Let it run through the whole of our life. "That we may rejoice and be glad all our days." Let the satisfaction be proportioned according to our past affliction (ver.15). Let our future joys compensate for our past affliction. III. For a DISCOVERY OF DIVINITY IN LIFE. 1. In His works, to men and their children (ver. 16). The glory of human life is to see the glory of God in all the works of His hand. 2. In the prosperity of man's own works. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.WEB: So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. |
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