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1
A Question for Everyone
The psalmist asks a question to which everyone would say 'yes': Who wants a long, good life? Commentators explain this is a rhetorical device to capture our attention. While the desire for a long, happy life is natural and not wrong, scholars like John Calvin note it also serves as a gentle rebuke, highlighting that most people foolishly seek this happiness apart from God's blessing. The verse prepares us for the true answer that follows.
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Psalms
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Commentaries
11
Albert Barnes
On Psalms 34:12
18th Century
Theologian
What man is he that desireth life? – who desires to live long. All people naturally love life, and all naturally desire to live long; and …
Charles Ellicott
On Psalms 34:12
19th Century
Bishop
Desireth life. —Better, the man delighting in life. These gnomic sayings are echoes from the book of Proverbs. (…
Charles Spurgeon
On Psalm 34:12–13
19th Century
Preacher
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
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John Calvin
On Psalms 34:12
16th Century
Theologian
Who is the man who desireth life? The prophet does not inquire if there is any man so disposed, as if all men voluntarily brought upon the…
John Gill
On Psalms 34:12
17th Century
Pastor
What man [is he that] desireth life ?
&c.] Every man desires life, even a natural life; it is more desirable than al…
Matthew Henry
On Psalms 34:11–22
17th Century
Minister
Let young people set out in life by learning the fear of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here and eternal happiness hereafter. Those will be …