5 My enemies speak evil against me, "When will he die , and his name perish ?" 6 And when he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood ; His heart gathers wickedness to itself; When he goes outside , he tells it. 7 All who hate me whisper together against me; Against me they devise my hurt , saying, 8 "A wicked thing is poured out upon him, That when he lies down , he will not rise up again ." 9 Even my close friend e in whom I trusted , Who ate my bread , Has lifted up his heel against me. 10 But You, O Lord , be gracious to me and raise me up, That I may repay them. 11 By this I know that You are pleased with me, Because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me. 12 As for me, You uphold me in my integrity , And You set me in Your presence forever . 13 Blessed be the Lord , the God of Israel , From everlasting to everlasting . Amen and Amen .
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.