\<>\. The title of this psalm, in the Syriac version, is, “for Asaph, an exhortation of David, concerning those things which are required in the ministry of the house of the Lord; and a prophecy of the praise of the conqueror, and of the perfect man in God.” Theodoret thinks it was written by David…

I will sing of mercy and judgment Either of mercy and justice, exercised by him towards his people, which he resolved to do, and did, which are two very principal points in government, are the glory of a reign, the support of the throne, and the happiness of a people, , or rather of the mercy of…

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way, &e.] So David did before he came to the throne, which made Saul fear him, and the people love him, and so he resolved to do, and did afterwards; and thus it becomes all good men, in every station of life, to do: and then do they behave wisely, when they…

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes, Either the eyes of the body, which are the inlets of lust and are easily caught with objects that inflame the heart, and should be turned aside from beholding vanity; or the eyes of the mind; so the Targum, “I will not propose to my heart;” or, as…

A froward heart shall depart from me A man of a froward heart, that devises frowardness in his heart, and speaks it out with his mouth; that which is perverse, and contrary to the law of God and Gospel of Christ, to the light of nature and the word of God; contrary to the sentiments of all good…

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off, &c.] That raises and spreads a false report of him; that insinuates evil things of him; that brings false charges and accusations against him, in a private manner, when he has no opportunity to defend himself: such an one David threatens…

Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land To look them out, bring them to court, and promote them to places of honour and trust; such an one was David himself, and such there were in the land of Israel, though but few, and of which he complains, .

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house Flatterers, sycophants, tricking and fraudulent persons, who seek to supplant others, and get into their places; these should lose the favour they had, when detected.

I will early destroy all the wicked of the land, &e.] Of the land of Israel, signifying that he would make a general reformation throughout the kingdom; that as soon as wicked men were discovered in any part of the land, he would cut them off, would take the first opportunity of punishing them as…