Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. Thou hast proved mine heart ] Thou well knowest whether there be any evil way in me. Thou hast given me to see many and sore trials; and yet, through thy mercy, I have preserved my integrity both to thee and to my king. Thou hast seen me in my most secret retirements, and knowest whether I have plotted mischief against him who now wishes to take away my life.
Thou hast tried me ] yntprx tseraphtani; Thou hast put me to the test, as they do metals in order to detect their alloy, and to purify them: well expressed by the Vulgate, Igne me examinasti, "Thou hast tried me by fire;" and well paraphrased in my old Psalter, - The examynd me the lykkenyng of the fournas, that purges metal, and imang al this, wykednes es nout funden in me: that es, I am funden clene of syn, and so ryghtwis.- He who is saved from his sin is right wise; he has found the true wisdom.
My mouth shall not transgress. ] This clause is added to the following verse by the Vulgate and Septuagint: "That my mouth may not speak according to the works of men, I have observed difficult ways because of the words of thy lips." That is, So far from doing any improper action, I have even refrained from all words that might be counted inflammatory or seditious by my adversaries; for I took thy word for the regulation of my conduct, and prescribed to myself the most painful duties, in order that I might, in every respect, avoid what would give offense either to thee or to man. Among the genuine followers of God, plots and civil broils are never found.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - This psalm is a prayer. Feigned prayers are fruitless; but if ou hearts lead our prayers, God will meet them with his favour. The psalmist had been used to pray, so that it was not his distress an danger that now first brought him to his duty. And he was encouraged by his faith to expect God would notice his prayers. Constant resolutio and watchfulness against sins of the tongue, will be a good evidence of our integrity. Aware of man's propensity to wicked works, and of his own peculiar temptations, David had made God's word his preservativ from the paths of Satan, which lead to destruction. If we carefull avoid the paths of sin, it will be very lead to destruction. If we carefully avoid the paths of sin, it will be very comfortable in the reflection, when we are in trouble. Those that are, through grace going in God's paths, should pray that their goings may be held up i those paths. David prays, Lord, still hold me up. Those who woul proceed and persevere in the ways of God, must, by faith prayer, ge daily fresh supplies of grace and strength from him. Show the marvellous loving-kindness, distinguishing favours, not common mercies but be gracious to me; do as thou usest to do to those who love the name.
Original Hebrew בחנת974 לבי3820 פקדת6485 לילה3915 צרפתני6884 בל1077 תמצא4672 זמתי2161 בל1077 יעבר5674 פי׃6310
