The Perfection of Providential Dispensations
T. Boston. D. D. Psalm 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. David had by this time followed the Lord through many a dark step, and he had endured various troubles. Now he is looking back and giving his verdict as to them all. There is — 1. A magnificent preface — "As for God." He is standing up for God. 2. What of God he commends — "His way," whether it be that in which men walk with God, personal holiness, or the way wherein God walks with men — the way of His providence, His dispensations. 3. The commendation is perfect. Now, in illustration of text — I. TO OUR CORRUPT EYES GOD'S WAY IS NOT ALWAYS PERFECT. Because — 1. We cannot always see the reason of it (Psalm 77:19). The Lord leads man he knows not where. We have to wait to know (Acts 10:17; John 13:6, 7). 2. It sometimes seems to forget the promises. We are ready to cry, as in Jeremiah 15:18, "Wilt Thou be altogether unto me as a liar?" Abraham went in to Hagar for this reason. 3. It sometimes goes cross to the promises, as when Abraham was commanded to offer up Isaac. See also Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:1). The way in the wilderness is often crooked. 4. It runs at times seemingly quite contrary to the design of Providence. The Lord designs good, but disappointment after disappointment cross it more and more. Thus it was with Joseph when cast into the dungeon. Oftentimes Providence reads best backwards (Deuteronomy 32:36). Sometimes — 5. It lays aside the most likely means (1 Corinthians 1:23, 24; 2 Kings 5:11; John 16:6, 7). Sometimes — 6. It falls on means quite contrary to its design. As when clay was used to cure the blind. When the Lord heals by wounding (Romans 8:28). Then — 7. Providence smiles though wicked men get the sunny side of the brae and walk contrary to God. This made Asaph stammer (Psalm 73:12-14, and Jeremiah 12:1, 2). But there is no fault in this (Psalm 92:7). See the end of all these things. 8. The good troubled (Ecclesiastes 8:14). Job. But 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10. And — 9. Great afflictions meeting the Lord's people in the way of duty. This often Jacob's case. II. BUT GOD'S WAY IS PERFECT. It is according to the pattern shown in the Word. Is suited to our need (Deuteronomy 32:4). Is ever suited to the time. Is stable. (T. Boston. D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. WEB: As for God, his way is perfect. The word of Yahweh is tried. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.