14 Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord:
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace.
Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.
Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil:
Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.
I am `for' peace: But when I speak, they are for war. Psalm 121 A Song of Ascents.
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you;
`even' Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 34
Commentary on Psalms 34 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 34
Ps 34:1-22. On the title compare 1Sa 21:13. Abimelech was the general name of the sovereign (Ge 20:2). After celebrating God's gracious dealings with him, the Psalmist exhorts others to make trial of His providential care, instructing them how to secure it. He then contrasts God's care of His people and His punitive providence towards the wicked.
1-4. Even in distress, which excites supplication, there is always matter for praising and thanking God (compare Eph 5:20; Php 4:6).
2. make her boast—"glory" (Ps 105:3; compare Ga 6:14).
humble—"the pious," as in Ps 9:12; 25:9.
3. magnify the Lord—ascribe greatness to Him, an act of praise.
together—"alike" (Ps 33:15), or, equally, without exception.
4. delivered … fears—as well as actual evil (Ps 64:1).
5-7. God's favor to the pious generally, and to himself specially, is celebrated.
looked—with desire for help.
lightened—or, "brightened," expressing joy, opposed to the downcast features of those who are ashamed or disappointed (Ps 25:2, 3).
6. This poor man—literally, "humble," himself as a specimen of such.
7. angel—of the covenant (Isa 63:9), of whom as a leader of God's host (Jos 5:14; 1Ki 22:19), the phrase—
encampeth, &c.—is appropriate; or, "angel" used collectively for angels (Heb 1:14).
8. taste and see—try and experience.
9. that fear him—who are pious—fear and love (Pr 1:7; 9:10).
saints—consecrated to His service (Isa 40:31).
10. not want any good—"good" is emphatic; they may be afflicted (compare Ps 34:10); but this may be a good (2Co 4:17, 18; Heb 12:10, 11).
11. children—subjects of instruction (Pr 1:8, 10).
12. What man—Whoever desires the blessings of piety, let him attend.
13, 14. Sins of thought included in those of speech (Lu 6:45), avoiding evil and doing good in our relations to men are based on a right relation to God.
15. eyes of the Lord are upon—(Ps 32:8; 33:18).
16. face … against—opposed to them (Le 17:10; 20:3).
cut off the remembrance—utterly destroy (Ps 109:13).
17, 18. Humble penitents are objects of God's special tender regard (Ps 51:19; Isa 57:15).
20. bones—framework of the body.
21, 22. Contrast in the destiny of righteous and wicked; the former shall be delivered and never come into condemnation (Joh 5:24; Ro 8:1); the latter are left under condemnation and desolate.