Psalms 34:8-9

Psalms 34:8

I. "Taste and see how gracious the Lord is." We may do this, it is true, but we may also refuse to do it. It would be a mere waste of words to say, "Taste of pleasure, and see how sweet it is;" but to say, "Taste and see how gracious the Lord is," is a very different thing from saying, "Taste of and enjoy your pleasure," even although it is most true that that pleasure cannot come without God's permission. Those who have tasted Christ's goodness in the strengthening and refreshing of their souls may well receive from His hand no less His gift of earthly blessings.

II. Nor wilt those who have tasted and are ready to taste again of God's graciousness, and of the blessedness of trusting in Him, be unwilling also to hear the Psalmist's next exhortation, when he says, "O fear the Lord, all ye His saints, for they who fear Him lack nothing." He who fears God will be certainly most likely to love Him also, and he will be free from all other fear in the world.

T. Arnold, Sermons,vol. v., p. 163.

References: Psalms 34:10. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. ii., No. 65.Psalms 34:11. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. ii., p. 133; Outline Sermons to Children,p. 53.Psalms 34:11; Psalms 34:12. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. xx., p. 210.