12 So give us knowledge of the number of our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom. 13 Come back, O Lord; how long? let your purpose for your servants be changed. 14 In the morning give us your mercy in full measure; so that we may have joy and delight all our days. 15 Make us glad in reward for the days of our sorrow, and for the years in which we have seen evil. 16 Make your work clear to your servants, and your glory to their children. 17 Let the pleasure of the Lord our God be on us: O Lord, give strength to the work of our hands.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 90:12-17
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.