Psalms 32:9,10

A warning addressed to all not to resist God's will, and neglect instruction.

Be not like horse like mule with no understanding,

With trappings of bit and bridle must they be curbed:

Else will they not come near unto thee.

The Heb. is obscure and possibly corrupt in some points; but the general sense is clear. Brute animals without reason must be controlled and compelled by force to learn to submit to man's will. If man will not draw near to God and obey Him of his own free will, he lowers himself to the level of a brute, and must expect to be treated accordingly and disciplined by judgment (Isaiah 26:9-11).

For the thought that man who will not listen to God's teaching -becomes brutish" see Jeremiah 10:14; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 49:10; Psalms 49:12; Psalms 49:20; Psalms 73:22. The word rendered mouthin A.V., trappingsin R.V., is of doubtful meaning. Some explain, whosewild spirit must be curbed&c.; but this is less probable. The A.V. of the last line, lest they come near unto thee, to hurt thee, gives no suitable point of comparison, and must certainly be rejected.