Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Psalms Ch.64 / 150 Ch.s
PS:64
* Prayer for deliverance. (1-6) The destruction of the wicked,
encouragement to the righteous. (7-10)
#1-6 The psalmist earnestly begs of God to preserve him from
disquieting fear. The tongue is a little member, but it boasts
great things. The upright man is the mark at which the wicked
aim, they cannot speak peaceably either of him or to him. There
is no guard against a false tongue. It is bad to do wrong, but
worse to encourage ourselves and one another in it. It is a sign
that the heart is hardened to the greatest degree, when it is
thus fully set to do evil. A practical disbelief of God's
knowledge of all things, is at the bottom of every wickedness.
The benefit of a good cause and a good conscience, appears most
when nothing can help a man against his enemies, save God alone,
who is always a present help.
#7-10 When God brings upon men the mischiefs they have desired
on others, it is weight enough to sink a man to the lowest hell.
Those who love cursing, it shall come upon them. Those who
behold this shall understand, and observe God's hand in all;
unless we do so, we are not likely to profit by the
dispensations of Providence. The righteous shall be glad in the
Lord; not glad of the misery and ruin of their fellow-creatures,
but glad that God is glorified, and his word fulfilled, and the
cause of injured innocence pleaded effectually. They rejoice not
in men, nor in themselves, nor in any creature, or creature
enjoyments, nor in their wisdom, strength, riches, or
righteousness; but in Christ, in whom all the seed of Israel are
justified and glory, and in what he is to them, and has done for
them.