Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 41:12

"And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, And settest me before thy face for ever." — Psalms 41:12 (ASV)

And as for me - literally, “and I;” as if there were some verb understood. The reference is turned on himself; on all that was suggested by this line of thought as bearing on himself. The result of the whole was a firm assurance that God would sustain him and that he would be established before God forever. The train of thought is this: “And I... you uphold me.” Perhaps the course of expression, if it had not been suddenly changed, would have been, “And I am sustained or held up.” The thought, however, turns rather on God than on himself; and instead of carrying out the reference to himself so prominently, he turns to God as the source from where all this was derived.

You uphold me - Not merely in strengthening me in my sickness, but, what is more important, in vindicating my character against the aspersions cast upon it. You show that I am upright.

In my integrity - literally, “in my perfection.” See the notes at Job 1:1. The word here means uprightness, sincerity, probity.

He had been slandered by his foes. His sickness had been regarded by them as a proof that he was a hypocrite or a stranger to God. If he had died, they would have urged that fact as evidence that he was the object of the divine displeasure.

His restored health was clear proof that their suggestions were false and that he was not suffering for the cause they alleged. God thus showed that he regarded him as upright and sincere. The claim is not that of “absolute perfections,” but only of a character of piety or integrity in opposition to the slanderous charges of his enemies. Compare Psalms 7:8; Psalms 25:21; Psalms 26:1, 11.

And set me before your face forever - That is, You will do it. God would always have him in his presence, permit him always to dwell with him—the highest proof of his friendship.