Psalms 34:11-22 - Exposition

The second, didactic, part of the psalm here begins. The writer assumes the role of the teacher, and, addressing his readers as "sons," undertakes to "teach them the fear of the Lord" ( Psalms 34:11 ), or, in other words, to point out to them in what true religion consists. This he does in two remarkable verses ( Psalms 34:13 , Psalms 34:14 ); after which he proceeds, in the remainder of the psalm, to give reasons which may incline them to the practice of it ( Psalms 34:15-22 ). The reasons resolve themselves into two main grounds—the tender love and care of God for the righteous ( Psalms 34:15 , Psalms 34:17-20 , Psalms 34:22 ), and his hostility to and punish-meat of the wicked ( Psalms 34:16 , Psalms 34:21 ).