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I. THE CHARACTER OF GOOD MEN.

1. They are spoken of as the "righteous." The moral code of the universe may be reduced to two words: "Be just." Be just to yourselves, to others, and to God. Virtue, morality, and religion constitute a righteous man.

2. They are spoken of as "walking uprightly." Goodness in all moral creatures is not stationary, but progressive.

3. They are spoken of as "saints." They are consecrated to God's service, set apart to His use; they are the living and imperishable temples of the Holy Ghost.

II. THE GOD OF GOOD MEN.

1. His relation to creation generally. He is the great original, central, exhaustless fountain of intelligence. The "Father of lights" — the light of instinct, reason, genius, conscience. Wherever there is a ray of truth, a beam of intelligence, a gleam of virtue, there is God, and in them He should be recognised and worshipped.

2. His relation to the good in particular. He makes special provision for them. He provides for their instruction. He is their buckler, their shield, and their enemies must strike through Him to injure them. He superintends their career. He vouchsafes their ultimate perfection.

(David Thomas, D. D.)

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KJV: He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

WEB: He lays up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity;