Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
Ver. 67. Before I was afflicted I went astray] Especially through high mindedness and earthly mindedness, which are purged out by affliction, and grace increased; as fish thrive better in cold and salt waters, as the walnut tree is most fruitful when most beaten. Master Ascham was a good schoolmaster to Queen Elizabeth, but affliction was a better, &c. See my Treatise on Revelation 3:19 .
But now I have kept thy word] Now that I have been lashed to it, and have paid for my learning; Vexatio dat intellectum, Smart maketh wit. As the scourging and beating of the garment with a stick beateth out the moths and dust, so do afflictions corruptions from the heart. Quae nocent, docent. Corrections of instructions are the way of life, Pro 6:23