Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 111:7

Albert Barnes Commentary

Psalms 111:7

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Psalms 111:7

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"The works of his hands are truth and justice; All his precepts are sure." — Psalms 111:7 (ASV)

The works of his hands - All that he does in the works of creation and providence; all in his acts toward the children of men.

Are verity - Truth. That is, they tend to establish and confirm the truth; they are done in the cause or the defense of truth.

Truth in any case may be ascertained by what God does. For all that he defends and protects is truth, and his acts, therefore, may be regarded as an expression of what is true and right.

And judgment - In the cause of justice, or in maintaining the principles of right. God never does anything to vindicate wrong. None of his acts can be fairly interpreted as having been done to sustain injustice, fraud, deceit, ambition, oppression, murder, or licentiousness.

That he allows free agents to do these things without interference is no evidence that he approves of them. That he disapproves of them is shown:

  • by his declarations;
  • by his threats;
  • by all that he does to punish the wicked here.

All his commandments are sure - His statutes; his ordinances. They are sure; that is, they are to be relied on; or are worthy of confidence.