11 Who knoweth the power of Thine anger? And according to Thy fear—Thy wrath?
12 To number our days aright let 'us' know, And we bring the heart to wisdom. 13 Turn back, O Jehovah, till when? And repent concerning Thy servants. 14 Satisfy us at morn 'with' Thy kindness, And we sing and rejoice all our days. 15 Cause us to rejoice according to the days Wherein Thou hast afflicted us, The years we have seen evil. 16 Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, And Thine honour on their sons. 17 And let the pleasantness of Jehovah our God be upon us, And the work of our hands establish on us, Yea, the work of our hands establish it!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 90:11-17
Commentary on Psalm 90:7-11
(Read Psalm 90:7-11)
The afflictions of the saints often come from God's love; but the rebukes of sinners, and of believers for their sins, must be seen coming from the displeasure of God. Secret sins are known to God, and shall be reckoned for. See the folly of those who go about to cover their sins, for they cannot do so. Our years, when gone, can no more be recalled than the words that we have spoken. Our whole life is toilsome and troublesome; and perhaps, in the midst of the years we count upon, it is cut off. We are taught by all this to stand in awe. The angels that sinned know the power of God's anger; sinners in hell know it; but which of us can fully describe it? Few seriously consider it as they ought. Those who make a mock at sin, and make light of Christ, surely do not know the power of God's anger. Who among us can dwell with that devouring fire?
Commentary on Psalm 90:12-17
(Read Psalm 90:12-17)
Those who would learn true wisdom, must pray for Divine instruction, must beg to be taught by the Holy Spirit; and for comfort and joy in the returns of God's favour. They pray for the mercy of God, for they pretend not to plead any merit of their own. His favour would be a full fountain of future joys. It would be a sufficient balance to former griefs. Let the grace of God in us produce the light of good works. And let Divine consolations put gladness into our hearts, and a lustre upon our countenances. The work of our hands, establish thou it; and, in order to that, establish us in it. Instead of wasting our precious, fleeting days in pursuing fancies, which leave the possessors for ever poor, let us seek the forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance in heaven. Let us pray that the work of the Holy Spirit may appear in converting our hearts, and that the beauty of holiness may be seen in our conduct.