12 So teach [us] to number our days, that we may acquire a wise heart. 13 Return, Jehovah: how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. 14 Satisfy us early with thy loving-kindness; that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad according to the days [wherein] thou hast afflicted us, according to the years [wherein] we have seen evil. 16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy majesty unto their sons. 17 And let the beauty of Jehovah our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us: yea, the work of our hands, establish thou it.
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.