The smallness and the pitifulness of life is manifested. David remembers how weak he is before God - how insignificant and how nothing. It is good for us to be afflicted to learn our worth, that we are nothing in ourselves, lighter than dust, and altogether vanity. Man’s high opinion of himself leads to unbelief and forgetfulness of God.
1 We do not want to sin against God. He says, "I will guard my ways so that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are in my presence [vs1]." This is a right and good ambition, for all misery is the result of sin, and sin does more to hurt us than all the trials in the world. It is not the loss of man’s friendship but God’s friendship that stings us; it is not suffering persecution, but being forsaken by Him [Acts 5:41]. It is not even the troubles of poverty, but the lack of peace in contentment of His sure provision. These internal things of unbelief are greater than any external trial or loss. God be with us to keep us from sin.
2 Just because we are doing good does not mean that God is with us immediately in comfort. David says, “I was speechless and quiet; I kept silent, even from speaking good, and my pain intensified [vs2].” We may suffer while we stand! We may endure hardship faithfully and yet suffer the hiding of His presence. Doing good isn’t the guarantee of immediate success, as many missionaries can attest. They had to suffer for years before conversions, and as we set out on the road of goodness, we must not be discouraged that it’s not immediately blessed. If friends don’t hear us and hardships happen, we must not turn back. Faith cannot say, “It’s been too long without comfort, so I will quit.”
3 Let me know how vain and empty I am [vs4-5]! “LORD, reveal to me the end of my life and the number of my days. Let me know how short-lived I am. You, indeed, have made my days short in length, and my life span as nothing in Your sight. Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. Selah.” This is good knowledge, the knowledge of self. To rightfully discern good and evil is to know self to be nothing and God to be everything, so that grace may reign. Faulty views of self lead men into perdition: They perish despising the blood of Christ, truth, and sound doctrine! They would not be taught in this life, so they’ll learn God’s wrath in the next, paying the punishment of their sins!
Is it true? Is hell eternal? Yes it is, and this ought to shock and horrify us! We ought to be unable to stand against this knowledge, yet many disregard their Maker, thinking highly of themselves!
4 What a foolish man, man is! “Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow. Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain, gathering possessions without knowing who will get them.” He walks around gathering money, only to perish forever [vs6]! I was preaching the other day outdoors, and people were busy making money while the word of life was proclaimed... busy with this and that, but had no time to hear the gospel. Afterwards, some came and expressed appreciation, who’d mocked earlier, but I was reminded how we live for things that DON’T MATTER, when the only thing needful is neglected.
God deliver us from this carnal worship of self! We must worship God, not merely what we eat, drink - what clothes us and makes us filled.
5 Give God the credit for humbling us, not the devil [9-10]. “I am speechless; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done. Remove Your torment from me; I fade away because of the force of Your hand.” Do not think the first cause is Satan, as if he’s off the chain. He is a servant to the Most High - who sends him to Job, Peter is allowed to be in his clutches, and Paul needs him to keep the gospel in his the heart [2 Cor 12:7]. Do not deceive yourself. It is no accident: God is humbling you.
6 God has a right to be silent to us, if we don’t come to Him by faith. David says, “Hear my prayer, LORD, and listen to my cry for help; do not be silent at my tears. For I am a foreigner residing with You, a temporary resident like all my fathers.” Oh, how sad it is for many to play religion, sincerely deceived and blinded, calling on a god who cannot save. We, however, who have the truth, must take courage. He will hear us in due time. Continue to cry out to Him confidently. Do not think He’ll forget you forever. Remind Him of His covenant promises. Do good and wait.