Psalms 25

The character of these proverbs sustains the title (see Introduction). also--refers to the former part of the book. copied out--literally, "transferred," that is, from some other book to this; not given from memory.

God's unsearchableness impresses us with awe (compare Isa 45:15; Ro 11:33). But kings, being finite, should confer with wise counsellors;

Ye wisely keeping state secrets, which to common men are as inaccessible heights and depths.

As separating impurities from ore leaves pure silver, so taking from a king wicked counsellors leaves a wise and beneficent government.

before--or, "in presence of," as courtiers stood about a king.

Do not intrude into the presence of the king, for the elevation of the humble is honorable, but the humbling of the proud disgraceful (Lu 14:8-10).

(Compare Pr 3:30). lest ... shame--lest you do what you ought not, when shamed by defeat, or "lest thou art shut out from doing any thing."

(Compare Mt 5:25, Margin). secret--that is, of your opponent, for his disadvantage, and so you be disgraced, not having discussed your difficulties with him.

a word fitly--literally, "quickly," as wheels roll, just in time. The comparison as apples ... silver gives a like sense. apples, &c.--either real apples of golden color, in a silver network basket, or imitations on silver embroidery.

Those who desire to know and do rightly, most highly esteem good counsel (Pr 9:9; 15:31). The listening ear is better than one hung with gold.

Snow from mountains was used to cool drinks; so refreshing is a faithful messenger (Pr 13:17).

clouds--literally, "vapors" (Jer 10:13), clouds only in appearance. a false gift--promised, but not given.

Gentleness and kindness overcome the most powerful and obstinate. long forbearing--or, "slowness to anger" (Pr 14:29; 15:18).

A comparison, as a surfeit of honey produces physical disgust, so your company, however agreeable in moderation, may, if excessive, lead your friend to hate you.

A false witness is as destructive to reputation, as such weapons to the body (Pr 24:28). beareth ... witness--literally, "answereth questions," as before a judge, against his neighbor.

Treachery annoys as well as deceives.

Not only is the incongruity of songs (that is, joyful) and sadness meant, but an accession of sadness, by want of sympathy, is implied.

(Compare Mt 5:44; Ro 12:20). As metals are melted by heaping coals upon them, so is the heart softened by kindness.

Better, "As the north wind bringeth forth (Ps 90:2) or produces rain, so does a concealed or slandering tongue produce anger."

(Compare Pr 21:9, 19).

(Compare Pr 25:13). good news--that is, of some loved interest or absent friend, the more grateful as coming from afar.

From troubled fountains and corrupt springs no healthy water is to be had, so when the righteous are oppressed by the wicked, their power for good is lessened or destroyed.

Satiety surfeits (Pr 25:16); so men who are self-glorious find shame. is not glory--"not" is supplied from the first clause, or "is grievous," in which sense a similar word is used (Pr 27:2).

Such are exposed to the incursions of evil thoughts and successful temptations.

In worshipping God, we must lift up our souls to him. It is certain that none who, by a believing attendance, wait on God, and, by a believing hope, wait for him, shall be ashamed of it. The most advanced believer both needs and desires to be taught of God. If we sincerely desire to know our duty, with resolution to do it, we may be sure that God will direct us in it. The psalmist is earnest for the pardon of his sins. When God pardons sin, he is said to remember it no more, which denotes full remission. It is God's goodness, and not ours, his mercy, and not our merit, that must be our plea for the pardon of sin, and all the good we need. This plea we must rely upon, feeling our own unworthiness, and satisfied of the riches of God's mercy and grace. How boundless is that mercy which covers for ever the sins and follies of a youth spent without God and without hope! Blessed be the Lord, the blood of the great Sacrifice can wash away every stain.

We are all sinners; and Christ came into the world to save sinners, to teach sinners, to call sinners to repentance. We value a promise by the character of him that makes it; we therefore depend upon God's promises. All the paths of the Lord, that is, all his promises and all his providences, are mercy and truth. In all God's dealings his people may see his mercy displayed, and his word fulfilled, whatever afflictions they are now exercised with. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth; and so it will appear when they come to their journey's end. Those that are humble, that distrust themselves, and desire to be taught and to follow Divine guidance, these he will guide in judgment, that is, by the rule of the written word, to find rest for their souls in the Saviour. Even when the body is sick, and in pain, the soul may be at ease in God.

The psalmist concludes, as he began, with expressing dependence upon God, and desire toward him. It is good thus to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord. And if God turns to us, no matter who turns from us. He pleads his own integrity. Though guilty before God, yet, as to his enemies, he had the testimony of conscience that he had done them no wrong. God would, at length, give Israel rest from all their enemies round about. In heaven, God's Israel will be perfectly redeemed from all troubles. Blessed Saviour, thou hast graciously taught us that without thee we can do nothing. Do thou teach us how to pray, how to appear before thee in the way which thou shalt choose, and how to lift up our whole hearts and desires after thee, for thou art the Lord our righteousness.