_Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man?_ A SOCIAL BETRAYER This psalm may be regarded as presenting to us a social betrayer in a variety of aspects. Doeg was an “informer,” one whom Webster defines as “a man who informs against others from base or unworthy motives.” I. The social be... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully._ SINS OF SPEECH The prominence given to sins of speech is peculiar. We should have expected high-handed violence rather than these. But the psalmist is tracking the deeds to their source; and it is not so much the tyrant’s wor... [ Continue Reading ]
_The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him._ THE RIGHTEOUS OBSERVE THE TEACHINGS OF LIFE The fear which it produces in the “righteous “ is reverential awe, not dread lest the same should happen to them. Whether or not history and experience teach evil men that “verily there is... [ Continue Reading ]
_I am like a green olive-tree in the house of God._ LIFE LIKE A GREEN OLIVE-TREE The olive-tree loves fat soil. It attains to finest fruitfulness when its bed is rich in nutriment. Starve its soil, the tree remains dwarfed and impoverished. A recent traveller, describing the olive-yards of Palestin... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will praise Thee for ever, because Thou hast done it._ He closeth the psalm comfortably, with resolution to praise God, and to depend upon Him. Whence learn 1. Victory over temptations obtained by faith is very glorious; for faith doth make a man as sure of what is to come as if it were perfect... [ Continue Reading ]