Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 140:13

"Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: The upright shall dwell in thy presence." — Psalms 140:13 (ASV)

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name – to you.

1. They will have occasion to do it;

2. They will be disposed to do it.

They will not be unmindful of the favors bestowed on them; it will be a characteristic of them that they will be thankful.

The upright shall dwell in thy presence – they shall be under your protection; they shall be admitted to your favor; they shall dwell in your dwelling place.

1. On earth they shall enjoy his favor – as if they dwelt with God.

2. In heaven they will be permitted to dwell with him forever.

The general idea of the psalm is that the poor, the persecuted, and the afflicted, if righteous, shall enjoy the favor and protection of God. God is on their side, and not on the side of the wicked who oppress them.

But then, people should be righteous so that they may find the favor of God and dwell with him. There is no reason why a poor wicked man should enjoy the favor of God any more than why a rich wicked man should. It is not poverty or riches that commend us to God; it is faith, holiness, love, and obedience, in whatever condition of life we are placed, whether in a cottage or a palace.