Psalm 31:17

EXPOSITION

Verse 17. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee. Put not my prayers to the blush! Do not fill profane mouths with jeers at my confidence in my God. Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. Cause them to their amazement to see my wrongs righted and their own pride horribly confounded. A milder spirit rules our prayers under the gentle reign of the Prince of Peace, and, therefore, we can only use such words as these in their prophetic sense, knowing as we do full well, that shame and the silence of death are the best portion that ungodly sinners can expect. That which they desired for despised believers shall come upon themselves by a decree of retributive justice, at which they cannot cavil -- "As he loved mischief, so let it come upon him."

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 17. None.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 17. The shame and silence of the wicked in eternity. The silence of the grave, its grave eloquence.