Psalm 37:31

EXPOSITION

Verse 31. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. The best thing in the best place, producing the best results. Well might the man's talk be so admirable when his heart was so well stored. To love holiness, to have the motives and desires sanctified, to be in one's inmost nature obedient to the Lord -- this is the surest method of making the whole run of our life efficient for its great ends, and even for securing the details of it, our steps from any serious mistake. To keep the even tenor of one's way, in such times as these, is given only to those whose hearts are sound towards God, who can, as in the text, call God their God. Policy slips and trips, it twists and tacks, and after all is worsted in the long run, but sincerity plods on its plain pathway and reaches the goal.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 31. The law of his God is in his heart, etc. The flock of sheep that's indisposed and unwilling to drive, start out of the way into every lane's end, one this way and another that; and just so is it with an unwilling heart; one thought starts this way, and another that, and it's a piece of skill to drive them through. But a willing heart, a heart prepared and ready to every good work, it flies quite up an end, and delights itself in the Lord. Richard Steele.

Verse 31. (first clause). He hath a Bible in his head, and another in his heart; he hath a good treasure within, and there hence bringeth good things. John Trapp.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 31.

1. The best thing.
2. In the best place.
3. With the best of results.