1 To the chiefe Musician on Neginoth, A Psalme of Dauid. Heare me, when I call, O God of my righteousnesse: thou hast inlarged mee when I was in distresse, haue mercy vpon me, and heare my prayer.
2 O ye sonnes of men, how long will yee turne my glory into shame? how long will yee loue vanitie, and seeke after leasing? Selah.
3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly, for himselfe: the Lord will heare when I call vnto him.
4 Stand in awe, and sinne not: commune with your owne heart vpon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousnesse, and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There be many that say, Who wil shew vs any good? Lord lift thou vp the light of thy countenance vpon vs.
7 Thou hast put gladnesse in my heart, more then in the time that their corne and their wine increased.
8 I will both lay mee downe in peace, and sleepe: for thou Lord only makest me dwell in safetie.
The children of men proved, and the happiness of godly people. (1-5) God's favour is happiness. (6-8)
1-5 Hear me for thy mercy-sake, is our best plea. He who will not ask such blessings as pardon, and justifying righteousness, and eternal life, must perish for the want of them. Alas! that so many should make so fearful a choice. The psalmist warns against sin. Keep up holy reverence of the glory and majesty of God. You have a great deal to say to your hearts, they may be spoken with, let it not be unsaid. Examine them by serious self-reflection; let your thoughts fasten upon that which is good, and keep close to it. Consider your ways, and before you turn to sleep at night, examine your consciences with respect to what you have done in the day; particularly what you have done amiss, that you may repent of it. when you awake in the night, meditate upon God, and the things that belong to your peace. Upon a sick-bed, particularly, we should consider our ways. Be still. when you have asked conscience a question, be serious, be silent, wait for an answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence must be pan answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence only: therefore, after commanding the sacrifices of righteousness, the psalmist says, Put your trust in the Lord.
6-8 Wordly people inquire for good, not for the chief good; all they want is outward good, present good, partial good, good meat, good drink, a good trade, and a good estate; but what are all these worth? Any good will serve the turn of most men, but a gracious soul will not be put off so. Lord, let us have thy favour, and let us know that we have it, we desire no more; let us be satisfied of thy loving-kindness, and will be satisfied with it. Many inquire after happiness, but David had found it. When God puts grace in the heart, he puts gladness in the heart. Thus comforted, he pitied, but neither envied nor feared the most prosperous sinner. He commits all his affairs to God, and is prepared to welcome his holy will. But salvation is in Christ alone; where will those appear who despise him as their Mediator, and revile him in his disciples? May they stand in awe, and no longer sin against the only remedy.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.