Psalms 27

Do not confide implicitly in your plans (Pr 16:9; 19:21; Jas 4:13-15).

Avoid self-praise.

heavy--The literal sense of "heavy," applied to material subjects, illustrates its figurative, "grievous," applied to moral. a fool's wrath--is unreasonable and excessive.

envy--or, "jealousy" (compare Margin; Pr 6:34), is more unappeasable than the simpler bad passions.

secret love--not manifested in acts is useless; and even, if its exhibition by rebukes wounds us, such love is preferable to the frequent (compare Margin), and hence deceitful, kisses of an enemy.

The luxury of wealth confers less happiness than the healthy appetite of labor.

Such are not only out of place, but out of duty and in danger.

rejoice the heart--the organ of perceiving what pleases the senses. sweetness ... counsel--or, "wise counsel is also pleasing."

Adhere to tried friends. The ties of blood may be less reliable than those of genuine friendship.

The wisdom of children both reflects credit on parents and contributes to their aid in difficulties.

(Compare Pr 20:16; 22:3).

Excessive zeal in praising raises suspicions of selfishness.

(Compare Pr 19:13). very ... day--literally, "a day of showers."

hideth--or, "restrains" (that is, tries to do it); is as fruitless an effort, as that of holding the wind. the ointment of his right hand--the organ of power (Ps 17:7; 18:35). His right hand endeavors to repress perfume, but vainly. Some prefer: "His right hand comes on oil," that is, "cannot take hold." Such a woman cannot be tamed.

a man sharpeneth ... friend--that is, conversation promotes intelligence, which the face exhibits.

Diligence secures a reward, even for the humble servant.

We may see our characters in the developed tempers of others.

Men's cupidity is as insatiable as the grave.

Praise tests character. a man to his praise--according to his praise, as he bears it. Thus vain men seek it, weak men are inflated by it, wise men disregard it, &c.

The obstinate wickedness of such is incurable by the heaviest inflictions.

flocks--constituted the staple of wealth. It is only by care and diligence that the most solid possessions can be perpetuated (Pr 23:5). 25-27. The fact that providential arrangements furnish the means of competence to those who properly use them is another motive to diligence (compare Ps 65:9-13). The hay appeareth--literally, "Grass appeareth" (Job 40:15; Ps 104:14).

household--literally, "house," the family (Ac 16:15; 1Co 1:16).

The Lord, who is the believer's light, is the strength of his life; not only by whom, but in whom he lives and moves. In God let us strengthen ourselves. The gracious presence of God, his power, his promise, his readiness to hear prayer, the witness of his Spirit in the hearts of his people; these are the secret of his tabernacle, and in these the saints find cause for that holy security and peace of mind in which they dwell at ease. The psalmist prays for constant communion with God in holy ordinances. All God's children desire to dwell in their Father's house. Not to sojourn there as a wayfaring man, to tarry but for a night; or to dwell there for a time only, as the servant that abides not in the house for ever; but to dwell there all the days of their life, as children with a father. Do we hope that the praising of God will be the blessedness of our eternity? Surely then we ought to make it the business of our time. This he had at heart more than any thing. Whatever the Christian is as to this life, he considers the favour and service of God as the one thing needful. This he desires, prays for and seeks after, and in it he rejoices.

Wherever the believer is, he can find a way to the throne of grace by prayer. God calls us by his Spirit, by his word, by his worship, and by special providences, merciful and afflicting. When we are foolishly making court to lying vanities, God is, in love to us, calling us to seek our own mercies in him. The call is general, "Seek ye my face;" but we must apply it to ourselves, "I will seek it." The word does us no good, when we do not ourselves accept the exhortation: a gracious heart readily answers to the call of a gracious God, being made willing in the day of his power. The psalmist requests the favour of the Lord; the continuance of his presence with him; the benefit of Divine guidance, and the benefit of Divine protection. God's time to help those that trust in him, is, when all other helpers fail. He is a surer and better Friend than earthly parents are, or can be. What was the belief which supported the psalmist? That he should see the goodness of the Lord. There is nothing like the believing hope of eternal life, the foresights of that glory, and foretastes of those pleasures, to keep us from fainting under all calamities. In the mean time he should be strengthened to bear up under his burdens. Let us look unto the suffering Saviour, and pray in faith, not to be delivered into the hands of our enemies. Let us encourage each other to wait on the Lord, with patient expectation, and fervent prayer.