John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:110

"The wicked have laid a snare for me; Yet have I not gone astray from thy precepts." — Psalms 119:110 (ASV)

The wicked have laid a snare for me. The meaning of this verse is similar to that of the preceding. The prophet shows more definitely in what respect he carried his life in his hand; namely, because, being hemmed in on all sides by the snares of the wicked, he saw scarcely any hope of life.

We have previously observed how difficult it is to avoid wandering from the ways of the Lord when our enemies, by their subtle arts, endeavor to bring about our destruction. The depraved desire of our fallen nature incites us to retaliate, nor do we see any way of preserving our life unless we employ the same arts by which they assail us; and we persuade ourselves that it is lawful for us to howl among wolves.

This being the case, we ought to meditate with greater attention upon this doctrine: that when the wicked surround and besiege us with their wiles, the best thing we can do is to follow where God calls us, and to attempt nothing but what is agreeable to his will.