Psalm 52
The proud boasting and the malicious plots of the ungodly
come to a fearful end. The case of the righteous greatly differs, and calls
for praise.
1. "Why do you boast in mischief, O mighty man? the
goodness of God endures continually."
Deep is the malignity of the heart which the Spirit has
not softened. To plot mischief is most vile; but it rests not in devising
evil; it delights in its sin, and boastingly exults in its shame. How vain
is this pride! It checks not the operations of God's goodness. This
attribute will ever live while God lives, and will ever be His people's
shield. Child of God, believe this and fear not.
2, 3, 4. "Your tongue devises mischiefs, like a sharp
razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, and lying rather
than to speak righteousness. You love all-devouring words, O you deceitful
tongue."
Doeg instantly appears. In dark colors his hateful
portrait is displayed. With crafty calumnies he maligned the servant of the
Lord. With evil reports he stirred up the king's wrath. This malevolence was
his delight. He found enjoyment in pouring forth devouring words.
5. "God shall likewise destroy you forever; He shall
take you away, and pluck you out of your dwelling place, and root you out of
the land of the living."
Those who thus propagate malicious lies against God's
servants little think that they are planning their own ruin. They consider
not that God's eye watches their secret devices, and that His just wrath
will surely be aroused. They dig a pit for others, and surely their own
steps lead to it. Destruction is planned, but it is destruction of
themselves. No wicked ways can prosper. The end of evil is sure misery.
Those who would chase others from the earth, will surely find that vengeance
follows in their rear. How often requital pursues them in this time-state!
How often in their sufferings do they read their sin! How often does the
crop of misery prove what seed had been sown!
6. "The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall
laugh at him."
The righteous diligently observe God's ways. It is a book
of wisdom full of precious lessons. They mark the outgoings of requiting
wrath; holy awe fills their hearts. They tremble at the issue of sin's
course. A sneer can scarcely be repressed at the folly of the insulting
boaster.
7. "Look, this is the man that made not God his
strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened
himself in his wickedness."
Pitiable indeed is the man who makes his own arm his
strength, and rejects the living God. Where is there greater folly than to
put confidence in a mass of silver and gold? How quickly does it fade away,
and leave the proud possessor in the straits of poverty!
But the height of madness is to regard wickedness as
might, and to believe that the ways of wickedness lead to success and
prosperity. The only man who is truly strong, and has enduring treasure, and
will prevail, is the humble follower of the Lamb.
8. "But I am like a green olive-tree in the house of
God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever."
David discerned how different was his case, and he well
knew who made him to differ. While Doeg and all of the same vile character
was cast off as a withered branch, David was verdant and fruitful as an
olive-tree in most luxuriant soil. He owed his position and his verdant
boughs, and clusters of rich fruit, to God's abundant mercy, and in that
mercy was all his trust forever and ever. Stable is this foundation of our
hopes. Let nothing move us from it.
9. "I will praise You forever, because You have done
it; and I will wait on Your name; for it is good before Your saints."
Such distinguishing mercy requires that every breath
should be praise. But who can adequately praise God for what He has done,
and is doing, and will do for His servants? In humble patience let us wait
on all the attributes which make up His name. Let all God's people see our
grateful course.