Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 119:73-80

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. They that fear thee shall see me and be glad, Because I have hoped in thy word. I know, O Jehovah, that thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me. Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; For thy law is my delight. Let the proud be put to shame; For they have overthrown me wrongfully: [But] I will meditate on thy precepts. Let those that fear thee turn unto me; And they shall know thy testimonies. Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame. KAPH." — Psalms 119:73-80 (ASV)

God made us to serve him and enjoy him; but by sin, we have made ourselves unfit to serve him and to enjoy him. We ought, therefore, continually to implore him, by his Holy Spirit, to give us understanding.

The comforts some have in God should be a matter of joy to others. But it is easy to acknowledge that God's judgments are right, until it becomes our own case.

All supports under affliction must come from mercy and compassion. The mercies of God are tender mercies; the mercies of a father, the compassion of a mother to her son. They come to us when we are not able to go to them.

Causeless reproach does not hurt and should not move us. The psalmist could continue in the way of his duty and find comfort in it. He valued the goodwill of saints and desired to maintain his communion with them.

Soundness of heart signifies sincerity in dependence on God and devotedness to him.