Psalm 4:7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 4:6-8

We have here, I. The foolish wish of worldly people: There be many that say, Who will show us any good? Who will make us to see good? What good they meant is intimated, Ps. 4:7. It was the increase of their corn and wine; all they desired was plenty of the wealth of this world, that they might enjoy abundance of the delights of sense. Thus far they are right, that they are desirous of good and solicitous about it; but there are these things amiss in this wish:?1. They enquire, in general, ?Who... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 4:7

Thou hast put gladness in my heart ,.... The Ethiopic version reads it "into our heart"; in granting the above request; for, nothing so rejoices the hearts of God's people as the light of his countenance, or the enjoyment of his gracious presence: this was matter of exceeding joy to Christ himself, Psalm 21:6 ; and so it is to all his members; this causes inward gladness, gladness of heart, and is opposed to the external rejoicings of wicked men and of hypocrites: and this is of God's... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 4:7

Thou hast put gladness in my heart - Thou hast given my soul what it wanted and wished for. I find now a happiness which earthly things could not produce. I have peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost; such inward happiness as they cannot boast who have got the highest increase of corn and wine; those Two Things in the abundance of which many suppose happiness to be found. To corn and wine all the versions, except the Chaldee, add oil; for corn, wine, and oil, were considered the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 4:7

Verse 7 7.Thou hast given more joy to my heart. By another comparison he better expresses and illustrates the strength of his affection, showing that, having obtained the good which he had longed for, he does not in the least degree envy the wealth and enjoyments of others, but is altogether contented with his own lot. The sum is, that he had more satisfaction in seeing the reconciled countenance of God beaming upon him, than if he had possessed garners full of corn, and cellars full of wine.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:1-8

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:1-8

An evening song in perilous times, showing us the secret of happiness. It is not difficult to be cheerful when we have everything we desire. But when life seems to be a series of catastrophes, disappointments, and vexations, buoyancy of spirit is not so easily attained. If our lives were in peril every moment through rebellion at home and plots and snares around, few of us would be found capable, under such circumstances, of writing morning and evening hymns. Yet such were the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:1-8

Quieting thoughts for a time of trouble. It is a mark of man's greatness that he can go out of himself. Some commune with nature, some with the great minds of the past, some with prophets and teachers of their own time. But the grandest thing is to commune with God. The evening is a fit time. Then we have rest; then we can retire from the stress and turmoil of the world, and in the secrecy of our hearts hold converse with God. Here we have some quieting thoughts for a time of trouble. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:6-7

The supreme quest of life. "There be many," etc. Both the Church and the world were very different in David's day from what they were in our Lord's day; and in that from what they are to-day. But the contrast was as real, the opposition as strong. The cleavage between the party of God's will and the party of self-will went right through the heart of human life then, and does now. Consciously or not, we all rank on one side or the other. These words bring out the contrast very strongly as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:6-8

Three great things. I. THE QUESTION OF QUESTIONS . The feeling indicated is common. Amid disappointments and cares, evermore the cry is heard, "Who will show us any good?" II. THE PRAYER OF PRAYERS . Somewhere there must be help. Gain, pleasure, worldly honours, and such-like, give no satisfaction. But when we turn to God we find all we need. He is gracious and merciful. Light and joy and peace beam from his countenance. Here we have the gospel preached beforehand. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 4:6-8

The believer's ground of confidence. David now turns from admonishing his enemies to the ease of his companions in trouble, who saw no ground of hope in the visible aspect of things. I. THE DESPAIR OF UNBELIEF . "Who will show us any good?" No one can. 1. The grandest revelations are made to the mind , and not to the senses. The question, therefore, is beside the mark. God, Christ, immortality, justice, love, holiness, cannot be shown in visible material form. Christ... read more

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