and He will explain and show it to them that fear Him (verse 14). This is that fear of the Lord which is clean — it is not dirty funk, but is one with courage which Plato tells us is the quality of rightly estimating the true objects of fear. Thus the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; but the end of it is the perfect love (and may we not also say the perfect knowledge?) that casteth out fear. The same idea of constant abiding with God is shown in verses 5 and 15 as in Ps. XV and XCI. The secondary note of this Psalm is God’s releasing us from the fear of sin within and of trouble without.

Psalm 26

JUDGE me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

Note the union of Love and Truth.

4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

42