By lively faith, David's prayers and complaints are at once turned into praises. His heart is
fixed; it is prepared for every event, being stayed upon God. If by the grace of God we are brought
into this even, composed frame of mind, we have great reason to be thankful. Nothing is done to
purpose, in religion, unless it is done with the heart. The heart must be fixed for the duty, put in
frame for it; fixed in the duty by close attention. Our tongue is our glory, and never more so than
when praising God; dull and sleepy devotions will never be acceptable to God. Let us awake early
in the morning, to begin the day with God; early in the beginning of a mercy. When God comes
toward us with his favours, let us go forth to meet him with our praises. David desired to bring
others to join in praising God; and in his psalms, he is still praising God among the people, singing
to Him among the nations. Let us seek to have our hearts fixed to praise his boundless mercy and
unfailing faithfulness; and to glorify him with body, soul, and spirit, which are his. Let us earnestly
pray that the blessings of the gospel may be sent through every land.
Chapter 58
Chapter Outline
Wicked judges described and reproved. (1–5)
A prayer that they may be disabled, and their (6–11)
ruin predicted.Verses 1–5
When wrong is done under the form of law, it is worse than any other; especially it is grievous
to behold those who profess to be children of God, joining together against any of his people. We
should thank the Lord for merciful restraints; we should be more earnest in seeking renewing grace,
more watchful over ourselves, and more patient under the effects of fallen nature in others. The
corruption of their nature was the root of bitterness. We may see in children the wickedness of the
world beginning. They go astray from God and their duty as soon as possibly they can. And how
soon will little children tell lies! It is our duty to take pains to teach them, and above all, earnestly
to pray for converting grace to make our children new creatures. Though the poison be within,
much of it may be kept from breaking forth to injure others. When the Saviour's words are duly
regarded, the serpent becomes harmless. But those who refuse to hear heavenly wisdom, must
perish miserably, for ever.
Verses 6–11
David prayed that the enemies of God's church and people might be disabled to do further
mischief. We may, in faith, pray against the designs of the enemies of the church. He foretells their
ruin. And who knows the power of God's anger? The victories of the Just One, in his own person
and that of his servants, over the enemies of man's salvation, produce a joy which springs not from
revenge, but from a view of the Divine mercy, justice, and truth, shown in the redemption of the