John Calvin Commentary Psalms 145:20

"Jehovah preserveth all them that love him; But all the wicked will he destroy." — Psalms 145:20 (ASV)

Jehovah preserves, etc. He insists upon the same truth—that God is near to His people to help them in their time of need. This is a sure proof of His presence: that by His mercy they come safe and unhurt out of every danger that befalls them.

It is worthy of our notice that, instead of fear, he now speaks of love. For, in distinguishing believers by this title, that they love God, he indicates that the root of true godliness is their voluntary submission to Him, which, in turn, is the effect of faith. Until God draws us by the attractions of His grace, this peaceful submission will never follow. The love spoken of by David, however, is perhaps more extensive, as God’s people not only attach themselves to Him in obedience to His authority but, knowing that union with Him is the most desirable of all things, also aspire with their whole soul after this happiness. Still, there can be no doubt that it is referred to here as the chief part of holiness and righteousness, as was said by Moses,

And now, O Israel, what does the Lord thy God require of thee, etc. (Deuteronomy 10:12).

David exemplifies this effect of godliness in securing our safety and preservation under Divine guardianship with an opposing clause, declaring that all the wicked will, in the just judgment of God, miserably perish. So that he might close as he had begun, he again affirms, that he will publish the praises of God, and urges all to the same duty by his example.

Some would read, every living thing will bless, but this does not seem to me a proper reading. When Moses, speaking of the flood, says that all flesh in which was the breath of life perished, I grant that the term comprehends the brute creation, but wherever “flesh” is mentioned without any addition, the reference is only to human beings. Nor is David here stating what they would do, but what they should do, declaring all people bound by the great and inexhaustible goodness of God to praise Him constantly and forever.