Psalm 92:14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; A cynical statesman said, with more, perhaps, than a grain of truth, "youth is an illusion; manhood a blunder; old age a regret." So it may be; so it is — in a life of godlessness. But in such a life only. "The righteous shall flourish," etc. I. THE FRUITS OF TESTIMONY TO GOD — the witness which a matured Christian bears to Him as the God of our salvation. 1. There is testimony to His faithfulness, to the sure foundation of His Word, especially the Word of His Promise. We are the children of promise, and have to live by it. Is the promise true? Can it be trusted? Will God never fail? The aged among us know that He and His word abide for ever. 2. Testimony to the righteousness of God's government. He is equitable and just, without respect of persons, showing displeasure to the wicked and favour to the righteous. 3. Testimony to the joy of the Christian life, to the blessedness of fellowship with Christ. Like other men they have been tried and tempted; but how readily will they testify that these experiences could not separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus their Lord. II. FRUITFULNESS IS ALSO SEEN IN THE INWROUGHT GRACES OF THE SOUL, in the virtues and excellences to which the righteous attain. The life of a Christian man is a growth. He gradually leaves behind him the weaknesses and imperfections of youth. 1. You will generally see in old age a nobler and more perfect patience, not a dull acquiescence in a fate that cannot be averted, but an intelligent, glad submission to the will of a Father who is loved. 2. We often see a generous, unselfish interest in those who shall come after them, interest in work which cannot benefit themselves; the promotion of Christian aims and industries the fruit of which they cannot live to see. 3. The power of Christian hope. 4. The grace of spiritual preparedness, of meetness for the heavenly inheritance, readiness to depart and be with Christ. This God gives before the summons is delivered, so that His people shall not be taken unawares. (J. Stuart.) Parallel Verses KJV: They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;WEB: They will still bring forth fruit in old age. They will be full of sap and green, |
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