This psalm purports to be a Psalm of David, and there is no reason to doubt that it was composed by him, though it is not possible to ascertain why it did not have a place in the collection of his psalms in the early part of the book Ps. 1–72. There are several such, however, scattered through the l... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL SING OF MERCY AND JUDGMENT - That is, In the psalm which he was about to compose, he would make these the burden of his song; he would, in fact, by stating his views as to the regulation of his own conduct, commend these virtues - mercy and justice - to mankind, and celebrate their value. He... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL BEHAVE MYSELF WISELY - In the choice of principles to guide me; in my conduct in my family; in my official relations. This expresses a “desire” to act wisely, and a “purpose” to do it. IN A PERFECT WAY - In accordance with the perfect rules of right. I will make these my guide. I will “aim”... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL SET NO WICKED THING BEFORE MINE EYES - That is, I will propose no wicked thing to be done; I will have no such object in view; I will employ no one to do that which is wrong. The margin, as the Hebrew, is, “thing of Belial.” See the notes at Psalms 41:8. It here means that which is worthless,... [ Continue Reading ]
A FROWARD HEART SHALL DEPART FROM ME - The word here rendered froward means perverse, false, deceitful, depraved. See the notes at Psalms 18:26. The “idea” here is that of one who is inclined to evil; who has some wrong passion or inclination to indulge; who has an obstinate and perverse will; who d... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOSO PRIVILY SLANDERETH HIS NEIGHBOUR - literally, “One who speaks concerning his neighbor in secret.” If a man has any good to say of another, he will be likely to say it openly; if he has any evil to say, it will be likely to be said in secret. Hence, to speak in secret of anyone comes to mean th... [ Continue Reading ]
MINE EYES SHALL BE UPON THE FAITHFUL OF THE LAND ... - I will look to them to be employed in my house, and in my service. The word rendered “faithful” means those who are worthy of belief or confidence. It does not “necessarily” mean those who are pious or religious - though it is often used to deno... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT WORKETH DECEIT - The man who is dishonest - who is full of tricks, false pretences, and devices - who cannot be confided in as straight-forward and sincere - one whose word cannot be relied on - one whose course is subterranean or serpentine. SHALL NOT DWELL WITHIN MY HOUSE - Shall neither... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL EARLY DESTROY ... - Hebrew, “In the mornings I will destroy.” That is, It shall be my first business as I enter upon the day. Possibly, also, by the use of the plural here - “in the mornings” - there may be the idea that this would be his constant rule of conduct: he would do it every day; he... [ Continue Reading ]