“Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know how frail I am.” Ps. 39:4. See also Ps. 90:12.
3. Why is sorrow better than laughter?
“Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.” Eccl. 7:3.
Note.—“Many of the loveliest songs of peace and trust and hope which God's children sing in this world they have been taught in the hushed and darkened chambers of sorrow.... Afflictions, sanctified, soften the asperities of life. They tame the wildness of nature. They temper human ambitions. They burn out the dross of selfishness and worldliness. They humble pride. They quell fierce passions. They reveal to men their own hearts, their own weakness, faults, blemishes, and perils. They teach patience and submission. They discipline unruly spirits. They deepen and enrich our experience.”—“Week-Day Religion,” by J. R. Miller, D. D., pages 92, 93.
4. Are the righteous freed from afflictions in this world?
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Ps. 34:19.
5. Does God delight to afflict any?
“For the Lord will not cast off forever: but though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” Lam. 3:31-33.
6. Does He afflict to leave the one chastened in despair?
“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: for He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and His hands make whole.” Job 5:17, 18.