4. They only consult to cast him down from his excellency. The excellencies of the righteous are obnoxious to the wicked, and the
main object of their fury. The elevation which God gives to the godly in
Providence, or in repute, is also the envy of the baser sort, and they labor to
pull them down to their own level. Observe the concentration of malice upon one
point only, as here set in contrast with the sole reliance of the
gracious one upon his Lord. If the wicked could only ruin the work of grace in
us, they would be content; to crush our character, overturn our influence, is
the object of their consultation. They delight in lies; hence they hate
the truth and the truthful, and by falsehood endeavor to compass their
overthrow. To lie is bad enough, but to delight in it is one of the blackest
marks of infamy. They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly.
Flattery has ever been a favorite weapon with the enemies of good people; they
can curse bitterly enough when it serves their turn; meanwhile, since it
answers their purpose, they mask their wrath, and with smooth words pretend to
bless those whom they would willingly tear in pieces. It was fortunate for
David that he was well practiced in silence, for to deceivers there is no safe
reply. Selah. Here pause, and consider the futile rancor of the unholy,
and the perfect security of those who rest upon the Lord.
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