“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you” (Ps. 32:8,9).

     The first part of this Psalm is a confession of David for his sins and a prayer for forgiveness. The one instructed in verse eight, seems to be the godly man of verse six. There are some valuable lessons from what David said about the horse and mule.

First, they may be excused because they “have no understanding,” but God’s people have no excuse. Their ability to think and reason leaves them without excuse for refusing instruction.

Second, the horse and the mule must be forced to go where their master wills. The bit and bridle must direct the body of those animals, but God’s direction is not compulsory for the child of God.

Third, those who stubbornly reject the instruction of God are acting like the horse and mule. Animals are not capable of reasoning about the advantages of following instructions, but human beings have understanding and can follow God’s will. When they do, they should “be glad in the Lord and rejoice...and shout for joy” (Ps. 32:11).