Psalms 48:6

el which he had given to others ( xxxvii. ) to rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him, without fretting; for it is easier to give the good advice than to give the good example of quietness under affliction. What was the particular trouble which gave occasion for the conflict David was now in does not appear. Perhaps it was the death of some dear friend or relation that was the trial of his patience, and that suggested to him these meditations of morality; and at the same time, it should seem too, he himself was weak and ill, and under some prevailing distemper. His enemies likewise were seeking advantages against him, and watched for his halting, that they might have something to reproach him for. Thus aggrieved, I. He relates the struggle that was in his breast between grace and corruption, between passion and patience, ver. 1-3 . II. He meditates upon the doctrine of man's frailty and mortality, and prays to God to instruct him in it, ver. 4-6 . III. He applies to God for the pardon of his sons, the removal of his afflictions, and the lengthening out of his life till he was ready for death, ver. 7-13 . This is a funeral psalm, and very proper for the occasion; in singing it we should get our hearts duly affected with the brevity, uncertainty, and calamitous state of human life; and those on whose comforts God has, by death, made breaches, will find this psalm of great use to them, in order to their obtaining what we ought much to aim at under such an affliction, which is to get it sanctified to us for our spiritual benefit and to get our hearts reconciled to the holy will of God in it. Devout Reflections; Brevity and Vanity of Life. 1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. 2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace,

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Job 32:19

Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. hath: Heb. is not opened

Job 32:20

I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. be: Heb. breathe

Psalms 38:13

But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

Psalms 38:14

Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Matthew 7:6

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Matthew 27:12

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

Acts 4:20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.