Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 5. O that my ways were directed ] "I wish that my way may be confirmed to keep thy statutes." Without thee I can do nothing; my soul is unstable and fickle; and it will continue weak and uncertain till thou strengthen and establish it.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - This psalm may be considered as the statement of a believer' experience. As far as our views, desires, and affections agree with what is here expressed, they come from the influences of the Holy Spirit, and no further. The pardoning mercy of God in Christ, is the only source of a sinner's happiness. And those are most happy, who ar preserved most free from the defilement of sin, who simply believ God's testimonies, and depend on his promises. If the heart be divide between him and the world, it is evil. But the saints carefully avoi all sin; they are conscious of much evil that clogs them in the ways of God, but not of that wickedness which draws them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at liberty to follow the word of God or not, as they please. But the desire and prayer of a good ma agree with the will and command of God. If a man expects by obedienc in one thing to purchase indulgence for disobedience in others, his hypocrisy will be detected; if he is not ashamed in this world everlasting shame will be his portion. The psalmist coveted to lear the laws of God, to give God the glory. And believers see that if God forsakes them, the temper will be too hard for them.
Original Hebrew אחלי305 יכנו3559 דרכי1870 לשׁמר8104 חקיך׃2706
