Psalms 37
COA1655The matter of this Psalme, or the first maine part of it, is that grand point, of the prosperity of the wicked, and afflictions of the godly, in this life; and of Gods Providence therein. Heathens have much debated this matter. Job is much upon it, as chap. XXI. 7. &c. and chap. XXIV: and chap. XXVII. and in other places. Divers other Psalmes also insist upon it more or lesse; as Psal. XLIX. and LXXIII. and XC.
Jeremie professedly, chap. XII. 1. &c. And Habakkuk somewhat, chap. I. 13. The case in point of fact is plain and undeniable. The Providence, Wisdome, and Justice of God in it, is a Mystery to man. Yet to the Christian who believes the Resurrection of the body, and eternal life, things not so clearly revealed in the infancie of the Church, the difficulty is now soone dissolved. And the well and wise weighing of the point by an Heathen, or natural man, may much availe him for his further and better information in matters of great consequence and concernment.
See the Annotations on Psal. XLI. 1. The greatest doubt arising hence to the godly, may seeme to be this, How these same occurrences of administrations in Gods Providence may stand with such constant, continual, and abundant promises of Gods blessings in temporal things to the godly in this life, 1 Tim. IV. 8. and with his like threatnings of plagues and punishments to the wicked in this world. The issue will be, That these Promises and Threatnings, specialy under the Law, are spoken to vulgar capacities, in those times; and yet have their exceptions and limitations in the Word: And that the prosperity of the wicked is but a seeming prosperity; and a short, and momentany prosperity in relation to eternity; and many wayes disadvantageous and hurtful to them; and ends with an overthrow suddaine, and terrible, and everlasting: And again, That the affliction of the godly is but momentany, nothing to eternity, and mainly profitable for the work of Grace here, more then abundantly recompensing and over-poizing their afflictions; and for the increase of Glory hereafter. Yet super-adding this, That Gods wisdome and wayes of Providence are not commensurate with mans finite and shallow capacity, Psal.
XXXVI. 6. Rom.
XI. 33. Gen. XVIII. 25. Esay LV. 8, 9.
Psalms 37:1
Fret not] Another Alphabetical Psalme. Wherein, not every verse, but every second verse, begins with the letter of the Hebrew Alphabet in order. Only verse 7, 20, 29, 34. stand single in their due order, without any other letter or verse interposed.
Psalms 37:8
cease from anger] Upon unjust causes, in an unjust maner, and measure, Ephes. IV. 31. yet in it self lawful, Ephes. IV. 26. Mark III. 5.
Psalms 37:16
lest otherwise] A like argument or expression God useth, Deut. XXXII. 27.
Psalms 37:25
I have been young] This was Davids experience in his time. It followes not to be so in all ages.