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Scott's Reference Library
Psalm 34:9 through Psalm 34:16 (NIV)
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 1-10
If we hope to spend eternity in praising God, it is fit that we should spend
much of our time here in this work. He never said to any one, Seek ye me in
vain. David’s prayers helped to silence his fears; many besides him have looked
unto the Lord by faith and prayer, and it has wonderfully revived and comforted
them. When we look to the world, we are perplexed, and at a loss. But on looking
to Christ depends our whole salvation, and all things needful thereunto do so
also. This poor man, whom no man looked upon with any respect, or looked after
with any concern, was yet welcome to the throne of grace; the Lord heard him,
and saved him out of all his troubles. The holy angels minister to the saints,
and stand for them against the powers of darkness. All the glory be to the Lord
of the angels. By taste and sight we both make discoveries, and have enjoyment;
Taste and see God’s goodness; take notice of it, and take the comfort of it. He
makes all truly blessed that trust in him. As to the things of the other world,
they shall have grace sufficient for the support of spiritual life. And as to
this life, they shall have what is necessary from the hand of God. Paul had all,
and abounded, because he was content, Philippians 4:11-18. Those who trust to
themselves, and think their own efforts sufficient for them, shall want; but
they shall be fed who trust in the Lord. Those shall not want, who with
quietness work, and mind their own business.
VERSES 11-22
Let young persons set out in life with learning the fear of the Lord, if they
desire true comfort here, and eternal happiness hereafter. Those will be most
happy who begin the soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim to be happy.
Surely this must look further than the present world; for man’s life on earth
consists but of few days, and those full of trouble. What man is he that would
see the good of that where all bliss is perfect? Alas! few have this good in
their thoughts. That religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the
heart and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must study to be
useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek peace and pursue it; be
willing to deny ourselves a great deal for peace’ sake. It is the constant
practice of real believers, when in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their
constant comfort that he hears them. The righteous are humbled for sin, and are
low in their own eyes. Nothing is more needful to true godliness than a contrite
heart, broken off from every self-confidence. In this soil every grace will
flourish, and nothing can encourage such a one but the free, rich grace of the
gospel of Jesus Christ. The righteous are taken under the special protection of
the Lord, yet they have their share of crosses in this world, and there are
those that hate them. Both from the mercy of Heaven, and the malice of hell, the
afflictions of the righteous must be many. But whatever troubles befall them,
shall not hurt their souls, for God keeps them from sinning in troubles. No man
is desolate, but he whom God has forsaken.