John Calvin Commentary Psalms 139:22

"I hate them with perfect hatred: They are become mine enemies." — Psalms 139:22 (ASV)

I hate them with perfect hatred. Literally, it is, "I hate them with perfection of hatred." He repeats the same truth as previously: that such was his esteem for God’s glory that he would have nothing in common with those who despised Him. He means, in general, that he gave no approval to the works of darkness, for whoever condones sin and encourages it through silence wickedly betrays God’s cause, since God has committed the vindication of righteousness into our hands.

David’s example should teach us to rise with a lofty and bold spirit above all concern for the enmity of the wicked when God’s honor is at stake, and to renounce all earthly friendships rather than falsely curry favor through flattery with those who do everything to incur divine displeasure.

We have all the more need to attend to this, because the keen sense we have of what concerns our private interest, honor, and convenience makes us never hesitate to engage in conflict when anyone injures us, while we are extremely timid and cowardly in defending God’s glory.

Thus, as each of us pursues our own interest and advantage, the only thing that incites us to contention, strife, and war is the desire to avenge our private wrongs; no one is affected when the majesty of God is outraged. On the other hand, it is a proof of our fervent zeal for God when we have the magnanimity to declare irreconcilable war with the wicked and those who hate God, rather than court their favor at the expense of alienating divine favor.

We must observe, however, that the hatred of which the Psalmist speaks is directed toward the sins rather than the persons of the wicked. We are, as much as it is in our power, to pursue peace with all people. We are to seek the good of all, and, if possible, they are to be reclaimed by kindness and acts of goodwill. However, only insofar as they are enemies of God must we strenuously confront their hostility.