An exhortation to humility

David has given us his conclusion, and from his own life provided an illustration, before offering a series of applications. In this we hear the painful echo of his own experience. We hear something of God's own voice providing instruction, teaching, and guidance, and so David pleads with us not to be stubborn but compliant, not to be obstinate but obedient, to receive God's truth readily, that we may not need less gentle means to bring us into a right way. Too many of God's people are like the horse and the mule, requiring bit and bridle to be brought into the path of obedience, and David pleads with us to take the better and happier way.