This text is the expression of a Divine law, the law of God's wise reserve in dispensing His favours.
I. There are certain great blessings of God which no man is able to receive at once without preparation.
II. A part of this preparation depends upon ourselves; therefore it is sometimes ourfault that the laid-up goodness is kept back.
III. God really consults for our pleasure by His judicious reservation of His bounties.
IV. Another of God's designs in this policy of reservation is to stimulate us to effort. No one can study the Scriptures long without seeing that God's gifts are to be sought for. If our joy is to be full, it is on condition that we ask.
V. Illustrations of this principle of reserve are seen particularly (1) in God's promises, and (2) in His providences.
VI. God's goodness is not always kept hidden. If there is reserve, there is also unfolding. But if we want the goodness wrought out, we must have faith in the goodness which is laid up.
M. R. Vincent, Gates into the Psalm Country,p. 91.
Reference: Psalms 31:19. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xiii., No. 773.