Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 41:5-13

"Mine enemies speak evil against me, [saying], When will he die, and his name perish? And if he come to see [me], he speaketh falsehood; His heart gathereth iniquity to itself: When he goeth abroad, he telleth it. All that hate me whisper together against me; Against me do they devise my hurt. An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him; And now that he lieth he shall rise up no more. Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Who did eat of my bread, Hath lifted up his heel against me. But thou, O Jehovah, have mercy upon me, and raise me up, That I may requite them. By this I know that thou delightest in me, Because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, And settest me before thy face for ever. Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, From everlasting and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. Book II" — Psalms 41:5-13 (ASV)

We complain, and justly, of the lack of sincerity, and that there is scarcely any true friendship to be found among men; but the former days were no better. One, in particular, in whom David had placed great confidence, sided with his enemies. And let us not think it strange if we receive evil from those we suppose to be friends. Have we not ourselves thus broken our word to God? We eat his bread daily, yet lift up the heel against him.

But though we may not take pleasure in the fall of our enemies, we may take pleasure in their designs being made vain. When we can discern the Lord's favor in any mercy, personal or public, that doubles it. If the grace of God did not take constant care of us, we would not be upheld. But let us, while on earth, give heartfelt assent to those praises which the redeemed on earth and in heaven render to their God and Saviour.