Verse 1
1. Heart… haughty… eyes lofty The words rendered “haughty” and “lofty” are of similar meaning, and both denote pride. The “heart” and the “eyes” are mentioned as being, the one the chief natural lodgment, and the other the expression, of such a spirit. Strongly does the psalmist repudiate what is so offensive to God, and presents his heart and the expression of his countenance before his Maker, as inward and external proof of his sincerity. Striking at once, as he does, into this characteristic sin of monarchs, and keeping in mind that in prosperity only could there be any danger of it, (see introduction,) the presumption naturally forces itself upon us, that on this point David had been recently and sorely tried.
Exercise myself Literally, I have not walked in the pathway of great things, etc. He had appealed to his “heart” and “eyes” as offering no testimony against him; now he appeals to his general course of conduct, or tenor of life.
Things too high for me I have not aspired to things above my reach or out of my sphere, either in my foreign wars or my policy of home administration. He had not ventured in his own strength, as a mere matter of kingly ambition, or aside from the will and mind of God, upon any great enterprise. He has now reached the climax of his description. Pride and personal ambition are everywhere disavowed.
Be the first to react on this!
