1.
Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.
2.
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully.
3.
Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
4.
Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.
5.
God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.
6.
The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:
7.
Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.
8.
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
9.
I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.
THE NAME TO TRUST IN
‘I will hope in Thy name.’
Psalms 52:9 (Prayer Book Version).
‘I will wait on Thy name, for it is good.’ What is God’s name?
I. It is Jehovah, the Living One.—Ah! here is comfort for me, when I am troubled by my littleness and by the fleeting and transient character of my life. I may grasp the hand of One Who endures from age to age; and then will His eternity pass into me, so that I too shall abide for ever and ever.
II. And it is Jehovah-Rophi, the Healer, the Good Physician.—And here is rich consolation for me when I am confronted by the multitude of my spiritual diseases. He has provided the sufficient remedy. One drop of Jesus’ blood applied to my conscience—there is the medicine: and now indeed I walk at liberty.
III. And it is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord my Banner.—I move day after day through the midst of foes. ‘From every bush the lances start.’ My enemies are innumerable, crafty, strong, unsparing. But my eyes are upon the Captain of my salvation and His blood-red flag; and thus am I more than a conqueror.
IV. And it is Jehovah-Shalom, the Giver of peace.—Many are the causes of trouble in my history. They spring from my personal circumstances. They come to me from those who are dear to me as my own soul. But through the storm He draws near, and I have calm and trust and power.
Illustration
‘Here is a master-lesson in the art of prayer. Some tongue had been reviling the Psalmist; and he had poured out his soul before God, expressing his unfaltering trust in His unfailing mercy. “I trust,” said he, “in the mercy of God for ever and ever.” And the prayer of faith is hardly finished before we hear him saying, “I will give Thee thanks for ever, because Thou hast done it.” Would that we would end all our prayers like this!’