psalm-37:1-15-asv

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:1

Verse 1 1.Fret not thyself because of the wicked. David lays down this as a general principle, that the prosperity of the wicked, in which they greatly rejoice, should on no account vex or disquiet the children of God, because it will soon fade away. On the other hand, although the people of God are afflicted for a time, yet the issue of their afflictions shall be such, that they have every reason to be contented with their lot. Now all this depends upon the providence of God; for unless we are... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:3

Verse 3 3.Put thy trust in Jehovah, and do good. The inspired writer now goes on, in the second place, to say, that every thing in the end shall be well with the righteous, because they are under the protection of God. But as there is nothing better or more desirable than to enjoy the fostering and protecting care of God, he exhorts them to put their trust in him, and at the same time to follow after goodness and truth. It is not without good reason that he begins with the doctrine of faith, or... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:4

Verse 4 4.And delight thyself in Jehovah This delight is set in opposition to the vain and deceitful allurements of the world, which so intoxicate the ungodly, that despising the blessing of God, they dream of no other happiness than what presents itself for the time before their eyes. This contrast between the vain and fickle joys with which the world is deluded, and the true repose enjoyed by the godly, ought to be carefully observed; for whether all things smile upon us, or whether the Lord... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:5

Verse 5 5.Roll (22) thy ways upon Jehovah. Here David illustrates and confirms the doctrine contained in the preceding verse. In order that God may accomplish our desires, it behoves us to cast all our cares upon him in the exercise of hope and patience. Accordingly, we are taught from this passage how to preserve our minds in tranquillity amidst anxieties, dangers, and floods of trouble. There can be no doubt, that by the term ways we are here to understand all affairs or businesses. The man,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:6

Verse 6 6.And he will bring forth thy righteousness as the light This David says, in order to anticipate the misgivings which often trouble us when we seem to lose our labor in faithfully serving God, and in dealing uprightly with our neighbors; nay, when our integrity is either exposed to the calumnies of the wicked, or is the occasion of injury to us from men; for then it is thought to be of no account in the sight of God. David, therefore, declares, that God will not suffer our righteousness... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:7

Verse 7 7.Be silent to Jehovah. The Psalmist continues the illustration of the same doctrine, namely, that we should patiently and meekly bear those things that usually disquiet our minds; for amid innumerable sources of disquietude and conflict there is need of no small patience. By the similitude of silence, which often occurs in the sacred writings, he declares most aptly the nature of faith; for as our affections rise in rebellion against the will of God, so faith, restoring us to a state... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:8

Verse 8 The accumulation of terms which occurs in the next verse, in which he lays a restraint as with a bridle upon anger, allays wrath and assuages passion, it is not superfluous; but, as in necessary, he rather prescribes numerous remedies for a disease which it is difficult to cure. By this means, he reminds us how easily we are provoked, and how ready we are to take offence, unless we lay a powerful restraint upon our tumultuous passions, and keep them under control. And although the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:9

Verse 9 9.For the wicked shall be cut off. It is not without cause that he repeatedly inculcates the same thing, namely, that the happiness and prosperity which the ungodly enjoy is only a mask or phantom; for the first sight of it so dazzles our senses, that we are unable to form a proper estimate of what will be its issue, in the light of which alone we ought to judge of the value of all that has preceded. But the contrast between the two clauses of the verse ought to be observed. First, in... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:10

Verse 10 10Yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be. This is a confirmation of the preceding verse. It might well have been objected, that the actual state of things in the world is very different from what David here represents it, since the ungodly riot in their pleasures, and the people of God pine away in sickness and poverty. David, therefore, wishing to guard us against a rash and hasty judgment, exhorts us to be quiet for a little while, till the Lord cut off the wicked entirely,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:12

Verse 12 12.The wicked plotteth against the righteous. David here anticipates an objection which might have been taken to the preceding verse. Where, it might be said, can tranquillity and joy be found when the wicked are mad with rage, and plot every kind of mischief against the children of God? And how shall they cherish good hope for the future who see themselves surrounded with innumerable sources of death? David therefore replies, That although the life of the godly should be assailed by... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:3

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:6

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:7

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:9

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:10

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 37:12

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