Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 52:2

Albert Barnes Commentary

Psalms 52:2

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Psalms 52:2

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"Thy tongue deviseth very wickedness, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully." — Psalms 52:2 (ASV)

Your tongue devises mischiefs - The word rendered “mischiefs” means:

The meaning here is that he used his tongue to ruin others. . The particular thing referred to here is the fact that Doeg sought the ruin of others by giving “information” about them. He “informed” Saul of what Ahimelech had done; he informed him where David had been, thus also giving him information on how he might be found and apprehended. All this was “designed” to bring ruin upon David and his followers. It “actually” brought ruin on Ahimelech and those associated with him (1 Samuel 22:17–19).

Like a sharp razor - See the notes on Isaiah 7:20. His slanders were like a sharp knife with which one stabs another. So we say of a slanderer that he “stabs” another in the dark.

Working deceitfully - literally, making deceit. That is, it was by deceit that he accomplished his purpose. There was no open and fair dealing in what he did.