Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 52
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 52
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 52
"Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The lovingkindness of God [endureth] continually. Thy tongue deviseth very wickedness, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good, And lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah Thou lovest all devouring words, thou deceitful tongue. God will likewise destroy thee for ever; He will take thee up, and pluck thee out of thy tent, And root thee out of the land of the living. Selah" — Psalms 52:1-5 (ASV)
Those who glory in sin, glory in their shame. The patience and forbearance of God are abused by sinners, resulting in the hardening of their hearts in their wicked ways.
But the enemies boast in vain in their mischief, while we have God's mercy to trust in.
It will not save us from the guilt of lying to be able to say there was some truth in what we said, if we make it appear different from what it was. The more craft and contrivance there is in any wickedness, the more of Satan there is in it.
When good people die, they are transplanted from the land of the living on earth to heaven, the garden of the Lord, where they will take root forever; but when wicked people die, they are rooted out to perish forever. The believer sees that God will destroy those who do not make Him their strength.
"The righteous also shall see [it], and fear, And shall laugh at him, [saying], Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness. But as for me, I am like a green olive-tree in the house of God: I trust in the lovingkindness of God for ever and ever. I will give thee thanks for ever, because thou hast done it; And I will hope in thy name, for it is good, in the presence of thy saints. " — Psalms 52:6-9 (ASV)
Those wretchedly deceive themselves who think they can support themselves in power and wealth without God. The wicked man trusted in the abundance of his riches; he thought his wickedness would help him to keep his wealth. Right or wrong, he would get what he could, and keep what he had, and ruin anyone who stood in his way; this he thought would strengthen him. But see what it comes to!
Those who by faith and love dwell in the house of God will be like green olive trees there. And so that we may be like green olive trees, we must live a life of faith and holy confidence in God and his grace. It adds much to the beauty of our profession, and to fruitfulness in every grace, to praise God abundantly; and we will never lack material for praise.
His name alone can be our refuge and strong tower. It is very good for us to wait on that saving name; there is nothing better to calm and quiet our spirits when disturbed, and to keep us in the way of duty when tempted to use any devious methods for our relief, than to hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. No one ever followed his guidance without it ending well.
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