Psalms 125:4

Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good.

--Two principles may be deduced from this prayer.

1. If you desire good, you must first be good. “Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good.” It is generally understood that if we would do good to others we should first become good ourselves. But it is here stated that human goodness, with all ire imperfections, has an attractive power, and is the best possible condition for obtaining more good. The rule is universal: “Unto every one that hath, it shall be given, and he shall have abundance.” Grace once received, prepares the way for a larger supply. Having tasted and felt that the Lord is gracious, our desires are enlarged, and our capacities for knowing more of the fulness of God are increased in a corresponding degree. The nearer we approach perfection, the higher we would climb. The more conformed we become to the image of God’s Son, the more do we long for a complete transformation, through the Lord, the Spirit.

2. The Divine promises furnish the best encouragement for prayer. The present intercession has its basis in the preceding verses. “They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed.” “The Lord is round about His people from henceforth even for ever.” Nothing can be clearer and more decided than the promise; and will any one assert that prayer is thus rendered unnecessary, if not presumptuous? Shall we say, The promise is made, and God may safely be left to accomplish His own designs? No! The argument runs in the opposite direction. Holy boldness in prayer proceeds upon the principle that God has a sincere desire to bestow the very blessing for which intercession is made. (N. McMichael.)