A Study of Psalm Thirty Four

Verse Fifteen

15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Related Scripture:

Job36:7; Psalm 33:18

Brethren:

We might ask ourselves, who is the righteous man? I will submit, that there are, as has been written, none, not a one. However, those that practice the previous verses that we've read in our study thus far, would be accounted for as to doing the righteous works and behaving in a manner of which He would approve.

“Parents that are very fond of a child will not let it be out of their sight; none of God’s children are ever from under his eye, but on them he looks with a singular complacency, as well as with a watchful and tender concern. They are sure of an answer of peace to their prayers. All God’s people are a praying people, and they cry in prayer, which denotes great importunity; but is it to any purpose? Yes, God takes notice of what we say They cry, and the Lord hears them, and hears them so as to make it appear he has a regard to them. His ears are open to their prayers, to receive them all, and to receive them readily and with delight. Though he has been a God hearing prayer ever since men began to call upon the name of the Lord, yet his ear is not heavy. There is no rhetoric, nothing charming, in a cry, yet God’s ears are open to it, as the tender mother’s to the cry of her sucking child, which another would take no notice of: The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth. This intimates that it is the constant practice of good people, when they are in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant comfort that God hears them.

He not only takes notice of what we say, but is ready for us to our relief: He is nigh to those that are of a broken heart, and saves them. Note, First, It is the character of the righteous, whose prayers God will hear, that they are of a broken heart and a contrite spirit (that is, humbled for sin and emptied of self); they are low in their own eyes, and have no confidence in their own merit and sufficiency, but in God only. Secondly, Those who are so have God nigh unto them, to comfort and support them, that the spirit may not be broken more than is meet, lest it should fail before him. (Read Isaiah 57:15) . Though God is high, and dwells on high, yet he is near to those who, being of a contrite spirit, know how to value his favour, and will save them from sinking under their burdens; he is near them to good purpose” - Matthew Henry

A Study of Psalm Thirty Four

Verse 14

14 Eschew evil and do good: seek peace and follow after it.

Related Scripture:

Psalm37:27; Isaiah 1:16-17; Romans 14:19; Hebrews 12:14

Brethren:

The word “eschew” as defined by Webster's Dictionary Ed. 1913 means to not only reject but to avoid, or shun something as inherently evil.

In keeping with yesterday's reading we find that those that would seek to be at peace with all peoples must first learn to be at peace within themselves. This means, to not speak poorly of others, to do good, and reject evil.

“They must not only eschew evil, but do good” - William Beveridge – Bishop and Theologian

“This denotes that evil is near to men; it keeps close to them, and should be declined and shunned: and it regards all sorts of evil; evil men, and their evil company; evil things, evil words and works, and all appearance of evil; and the fear of the Lord shows itself in an hatred of it, and a departure from it and do good; not only acts of beneficence to all in necessitous circumstances, but every good work; whatever the word of God directs, or suggests should be done; and which should be done from right principles of faith and love, and to right ends, the glory of God, and the good of his interest; and Christ should be looked and applied unto for grace and strength to perform; all which are evidences of the true fear of God. Seek peace and pursue it in the world, and with all men, as much as possibly can be; in neighbourhoods, cities, and states, and in the churches of Christ, and with the saints, as well as with God through Christ; and which in every sense is to be pursued after with eagerness, and to be endeavoured for with diligence.” - John Gill - Theologian

A Study of Psalm Thirty Four

Verse Thirteen

13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips, that they speak no guile.

Related Scriptures:

Ephesians4:25; James3:2, 13; 1 Peter3:10

Brethren:

On Sundays, our readings have been from Matthew Henry's “Discourse on Meekness”. Within its many chapters, we come away with the impression that one of those qualities that pertain to having a meek spirit, is the ability to speak ill of none that cross our paths in life. It matters little if said persons are kings or commoners it behooves us to refrain from all forms of utterances that would paint them in a sinister light.

Henceforth, let each of us seek to speak well of all others. Give praise where praise to due. Give the honor unto whom honor is due. Speak gently, albeit with wisdom to all people. And finally, let that wisdom descend from above with the usage of God's word. (See Romans 13:7; James 3:17)

A Study of Psalm Thirty Four

Verse Twelve

12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth long days for to see good?

Related Scripture:

1Peter 3:1-12

Brethren:

As we've so far read in this study it is the man that seeks to good that is rewarded with the blessings of all the gifts of Providence. Seek you then to be that person. Do good, harm no one. Be humble, and speak no ill of others. Cast off the fleshly covering that clothes you and put on the righteousness of Christ.

“What man is he that desireth life? that is, as it follows, not only to see many days, but to see good comfortable days. Non est vivere, sed valere, vita—It is not being, but well being, that constitutes life. It is asked, "Who wishes to live a long and pleasant life?’’ and it is easily answered, Who does not? Surely this must look further than time and this present world; for man’s life on earth at best consists but of few days and those full of trouble. What man is he that would be eternally happy, that would see many days, as many as the days of heaven, that would see good in that world where all bliss is in perfection, without the least alloy? Who would see the good before him now, by faith and hope, and enjoy it shortly? Who would? Alas! very few have that in their thoughts. Most ask, Who will show us any good? But few ask, What shall we do to inherit eternal life? This question implies that there are some [As such] he prescribes the true and only way to happiness both in this world and that to come.” - Matthew Henry

A Study of Psalm Thirty Four

Verse Eleven

11 Come children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Brethren:

Herein above the psalmist David is saying to listen to the wisdom that has been imparted to him by our Creator. This is to say, proper reverence of the Lord. Included would be prayer, thanksgiving, and our works towards our fellow man.

Prayer, is our communication with Him. It is our quiet time wherein we give our reports, confess our sins, and make petition to Him. Additionally it during this time that we should seek counsel in His word, by studying it. Friends, read daily, and meditate.

Thanksgiving, can also be done during prayer time, in that we come with praise to His name, and humble ourselves with all humility, with a thankful heart for all that He provides for us.

God, loves when we act in His name in the helping of those less fortunate. Likewise, it is His desire that He receive the glory for all actions on His behalf.

“14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of mine heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength, and my redeemer.” - Psalm 19:14 - That I may be obedient to you in all thoughts, words, and deeds. Such is proper reverence to our Lord.

A Study on Psalm Thirty Four

Verse Ten

10 The lions do lack and suffer hunger, but they which seek the Lord, shall want nothing that is good.

Related Scripture

Psalm 84:11

Matthew 6:26-29

Philippians 4:19

Brethren:

As mentioned from the previous study on Tuesday, we read that all those that seek Him, and His wisdom, shall not lack for the provision of their needs. The godly by their patient obedience profit more than they which ravine and spoil.

“David simply asserts, that those who guard against all unrighteousness should profit more because the Lord feeds his people, while even the lions and other beasts of prey often suffer hunger. What he says, then, is, that sooner shall the lions perish with hunger and want, than God will disappoint of their necessary food the righteous and sincere, who, content with his blessing alone, seek their food only from his hand. Whoever, therefore, shall in this way cast his cares upon God, and confide implicitly in his paternal goodness and bounty, shall live quietly and peaceably among men, and suffer no injury. If it is objected, that the good and the virtuous are not always exempted from penury, I answer, that the hand of God is stretched out to succor them in due season, when they are reduced to the greatest straits, and know not to what side to turn, so that the issue always shows that we seek not in vain from him whatever is necessary to the sustenance of life.” - John Calvin

A Study of Psalm Thirty Four

Verse Nine

9 Fear the Lord ye his Saints: for nothing wanteth to them that fear him

Brethren:

Herein above we read a verse that ties in with the preceding one of yesterday, and will likewise tie in with the following verse tomorrow.

“Leave them to God above; Him serve and fear” – John Milton

“Who are sanctified by his Spirit, and so are openly and manifestly his; these are exhorted to fear the Lord with reverence and godly fear; and great reason there is why they should fear him, since he is King of saints, and fear is due to him from them; and seeing they have received many instances of grace and goodness from him, and therefore should fear him for his goodness's sake; and besides they, and they only, know him, and have the grace of fear in them, and so only can exercise it on him.

[There is], so much goodness [that] is laid up for them; the heart of God is towards them, his secret is with them, his eye is upon them, and the sun of righteousness arises on them; and both grace and glory are given to them; nor in temporals, since godliness, or the fear of God, has the promise of this life, as well as of that which is to come.” - John Gill