Self-Examination
B. Beddome, M. A. Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: I. "SEE IF THERE BE ANY WICKED WAY IN ME;" — any corruption concealed, any lust harboured, any vicious appetite indulged, any sinful course persisted in. It may refer either to mental errors, or evil practices. 1. It does not imply that the psalmist thought himself entirely free from sin. He knew there was much sin in him, and committed by him: and hence his pathetic lamentations (Psalm 38, and 51.). 2. He hoped that sin was not predominant. 3. Though sin did not reign, yet he was afraid that more sin remained in him than he was aware of. 4. What of this nature he was ignorant of, he desires to be taught (Job 13:23). II. "AND LEAD ME IN THE WAY EVERLASTING." 1. The object he had in view. (1) The way of acceptance with God, Christ (John 14:6). (2) The way of sound doctrine. (3) The way of instituted worship. (4) The way of holiness and obedience. 2. The desire. (1) Need of guidance. (2) A- sense of his need. (3) He entertained high and exalted thoughts of God, as every way capable of the work he here assigns to Him (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: WEB: Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.