The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Humility.

"Lord, my heart is not haughty," etc. "The psalmist has learned from adversity the lesson of submission, and counsels the nation to fit itself in like manner for winning the blessings which are still in store." The authorship is uncertain; but it was probably written after the Exile. The writer had learned—

I. HUMILITY.

1. Humility is exemplified in a lowly estimate of ourselves be/ore God and man. Before God as well as before man.

2. In not aiming at things which are beyond our powers of attainment. Some men's ambition is greater than their ability. And yet none of us uses his ability to the utmost. We ought to learn how much God will help us to do.

II. SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF GOD.

1. This implies the recognition of God's will as good. Not only as supreme, but as good. Only thus shall we be able to say from the heart, "Thy will be done."

2. The overruling of all discontent with the changes of circumstances. As a child that has been weaned at length learns to rest on its mother's bosom.

III. HUMILITY AND SUBMISSION ARE CONNECTED WITH PATIENT WAITING AND HOPE.

1. God rewards the patient and humble. "Giveth grace," etc; "but knoweth the proud afar of."

2. All the deeper knowledge of God, springing from humble patience, leads on to a greater hope in him. The deepest experiences lead to the highest hope in God.—S.

Psalms 130

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Psalms 132

Psalms 131 - psalms-131 - worlddic.com

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