5 My haters say evil against me, When will he be dead, and his name come to an end? 6 If one comes to see me, deceit is in his heart; he keeps a store of evil, which he makes public in every place. 7 All my haters are talking secretly together against me; they are designing my downfall. 8 They say, He has an evil disease, which will not let him go: and now that he is down he will not get up again. 9 Even my dearest friend, in whom I had faith, who took bread with me, is turned against me. 10 But you, O Lord, have mercy on me, lifting me up, so that I may give them their punishment. 11 By this I see that you have pleasure in me, because my hater does not overcome me. 12 And as for me, you are my support in my righteousness, giving me a place before your face for ever. 13 May the Lord God of Israel be praised, through eternal days and for ever. So be it. So be it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 41:5-13
Commentary on Psalm 41:5-13
(Read Psalm 41:5-13)
We complain, and justly, of the want of sincerity, and that there is scarcely any true friendship to be found among men; but the former days were no better. One particularly, in whom David had reposed great confidence, took part with his enemies. And let us not think it strange, if we receive evil from those we suppose to be friends. Have not we ourselves thus broken our words toward God? We eat of his bread daily, yet lift up the heel against him. But though we may not take pleasure in the fall of our enemies, we may take pleasure in the making vain their designs. When we can discern the Lord's favour in any mercy, personal or public, that doubles it. If the grace of God did not take constant care of us, we should not be upheld. But let us, while on earth, give heartfelt assent to those praises which the redeemed on earth and in heaven render to their God and Saviour.