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Commentary on Psalms 34 verses 11–22
David, in this latter part of the psalm, undertakes to teach children. Though a man of war, and anointed to be king, he did not think it below him; though now he had his head so full of cares and his hands of business, yet he could find heart and time to give good counsel to young people, from his own experience. It does not appear that he had now any children of his own, at least any that were grown up to a capacity of being taught; but, by divine inspiration, he instructs the children of his people. Those that were in years would not be taught by him, though he had offered them his service (Psa 32:8); but he had hopes that the tender branches will be more easily bent and that children and young people will be more tractable, and therefore he calls together a congregation of them (Psa 34:11): "Come, you children, that are now in your learning age, and are now to lay up a stock of knowledge which you must live upon all your days, you children that are foolish and ignorant, and need to be taught." Perhaps he intends especially those children whose parents neglected to instruct and catechise them; and it is as great a piece of charity to put those children to school whose parents are not in a capacity to teach them as to feed those children whose parents have not bread for them. Observe, 1. What he expects from them: "Hearken unto me, leave your play, lay by your toys, and hear what I have to say to you; not only give me the hearing, but observe and obey me." 2. What he undertakes to teach them - the fear of the Lord, inclusive of all the duties of religion. David was a famous musician, a statesman, a soldier; but he does not say to the children, "I will teach you to play on the harp, or to handle the sword or spear, or to draw the bow, or I will teach you the maxims of state policy;" but I will teach you the fear of the Lord, which is better than all arts and sciences, better than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices. That is it which we should be solicitous both to learn ourselves and to teach our children.
I. He supposes that we all aim to be happy (Psa 34:12): What man is he that desireth life? that is, as it follows, not only to see many days, but to see good comfortable days. Non est vivere, sed valere, vita - It is not being, but well being, that constitutes life. It is asked, "Who wishes to live a long and pleasant life?" and it is easily answered, Who does not? Surely this must look further than time and this present world; for man's life on earth at best consists but of few days and those full of trouble. What man is he that would be eternally happy, that would see many days, as many as the days of heaven, that would see good in that world where all bliss is in perfection, without the least alloy? Who would see the good before him now, by faith and hope, and enjoy it shortly? Who would? Alas! very few have that in their thoughts. Most ask, Who will show us any good? But few ask, What shall we do to inherit eternal life? This question implies that there are some such.
II. He prescribes the true and only way to happiness both in this world and that to come, Psa 34:13, Psa 34:14. Would we pass comfortably through this world, and out of the world, our constant care must be to keep a good conscience; and, in order to that, 1. We must learn to bridle our tongues, and be careful what we say, that we never speak amiss, to God's dishonour or our neighbours prejudice: Keep thy tongue from evil speaking, lying, and slandering. So great a way does this go in religion that, if any offend not in word, the same is a perfect man; and so little a way does religion go without this that of him who bridles not his tongue it is declared, His religion is vain. 2. We must be upright and sincere in every thing we say, and not double-tongued. Our words must be the indications of our minds; our lips must be kept from speaking guild either to God or man. 3. We must leave all our sins, and resolve we will have no more to do with them. We must depart from evil, from evil works and evil workers; from the sins others commit and which we have formerly allowed ourselves in. 4. It is not enough not to do hurt in the world, but we must study to be useful, and live to some purpose. We must not only depart from evil, but we must do good, good for ourselves, especially for our own souls, employing them well, furnishing them with a good treasure, and fitting them for another world; and, as we have ability and opportunity, we must do good to others also. 5. Since nothing is more contrary to that love which never fails (which is the summary both of law and gospel, both of grace and glory) than strife and contention, which bring confusion and every evil work, we must seek peace and pursue it; we must show a peaceable disposition, study the things that make for peace, do nothing to break the peace and to make mischief. If peace seem to flee from us, we must pursue it; follow peace with all men, spare no pains, no expense, to preserve and recover peace; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal, both in honour and interest, for peace' sake. These excellent directions in a way to life and good are transcribed into the New Testament and made part of our gospel duty, Pe1 3:10, Pe1 3:11. And, perhaps David, in warning us that we speak no guile, reflects upon his own sin in changing his behaviour. Those that truly repent of what they have done amiss will warn others to take heed of doing likewise.
III. He enforces these directions by setting before us the happiness of the godly in the love and favour of God and the miserable state of the wicked under his displeasure. Here are life and death, good and evil, the blessing and the curse, plainly stated before us, that we may choose life and live. See Isa 3:10, Isa 3:11.
1.Woe to the wicked, it shall be ill with them, however they may bless themselves in their own way. (1.) God is against them, and then they cannot but be miserable. Sad is the case of that man who by his sin has made his Maker his enemy, his destroyer. The face of the Lord is against those that do evil, Psa 34:16. Sometimes God is said to turn his face from them (Jer 18:17), because they have forsaken him; here he is said to set his face against them, because they have fought against him; and most certainly God is able to out-face the most proud and daring sinners and can frown them into hell. (2.) Ruin is before them; this will follow of course if God be against them, for he is able both to kill and to cast into hell. [1.] The land of the living shall be no place for them nor theirs. When God sets his face against them he will not only cut them off, but cut off the remembrance of them; when they are alive he will bury them in obscurity, when they are dead he will bury them in oblivion. He will root out their posterity, by whom they would be remembered. He will pour disgrace upon their achievements, which they gloried in and for which they thought they should be remembered. It is certain that there is no lasting honour but that which comes from God. [2.] There shall be a sting in their death: Evil shall slay the wicked, Psa 34:21. Their death shall be miserable; and so it will certainly be, though they die on a bed of down or on the bed of honour. Death, to them, has a curse in it, and is the king of terrors; to them it is evil, only evil. It is very well observed by Dr. Hammond that the evil here, which slays the wicked, is the same word, in the singular number, that is used (Psa 34:19) for the afflictions of the righteous, to intimate that godly people have many troubles, and yet they do them no hurt, but are made to work for good to them, for God will deliver them out of them all; whereas wicked people have fewer troubles, fewer evils befal them, perhaps but one, and yet that one may prove their utter ruin. One trouble with a curse in it kills and slays, and does execution; but many, with a blessing in them, are harmless, nay, gainful. [3.] Desolation will be their everlasting portion. Those that are wicked themselves often hate the righteous, name and thing, have an implacable enmity to them and their righteousness; but they shall be desolate, shall be condemned as guilty, and laid waste for ever, shall be for ever forsaken and abandoned of God and all good angels and men; and those that are so are desolate indeed.
2.Yet say to the righteous, It shall be well with them. All good people are under God's special favour and protection. We are here assured of this under a great variety of instances and expressions.
(1.)God takes special notice of good people, and takes notice who have their eyes ever to him and who make conscience of their duty to him: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (Psa 34:15), to direct and guide them, to protect and keep them. Parents that are very fond of a child will not let it be out of their sight; none of God's children are ever from under his eye, but on them he looks with a singular complacency, as well as with a watchful and tender concern.
(2.)They are sure of an answer of peace to their prayers. All God's people are a praying people, and they cry in prayer, which denotes great importunity; but is it to any purpose? Yes, [1.] God takes notice of what we say (Psa 34:17): They cry, and the Lord hears them, and hears them so as to make it appear he has a regard to them. His ears are open to their prayers, to receive them all, and to receive them readily and with delight. Though he has been a God hearing prayer ever since men began to call upon the name of the Lord, yet his ear is not heavy. There is no rhetoric, nothing charming, in a cry, yet God's ears are open to it, as the tender mother's to the cry of her sucking child, which another would take no notice of: The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, Psa 34:17. This intimates that it is the constant practice of good people, when they are in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant comfort that God hears them. [2.] He not only takes notice of what we say, but is ready for us to our relief (Psa 34:18): He is nigh to those that are of a broken heart, and saves them. Note, First, It is the character of the righteous, whose prayers God will hear, that they are of a broken heart and a contrite spirit (that is, humbled for sin and emptied of self); they are low in their own eyes, and have no confidence in their own merit and sufficiency, but in God only. Secondly, Those who are so have God nigh unto them, to comfort and support them, that the spirit may not be broken more than is meet, lest it should fail before him. See Isa 57:15. Though God is high, and dwells on high, yet he is near to those who, being of a contrite spirit, know how to value his favour, and will save them from sinking under their burdens; he is near them to good purpose.
(3.)They are taken under the special protection of the divine government (Psa 34:20): He keepeth all his bones; not only his soul, but his body; not only his body in general, but every bone in it: Not one of them is broken. He that has a broken heart shall not have a broken bone; for David himself had found that, when he had a contrite heart, the broken bones were made to rejoice, Psa 51:8, Psa 51:17. One would not expect to meet with any thing of Christ here, and yet this scripture is said to be fulfilled in him (Joh 19:36) when the soldiers broke the legs of the two thieves that were crucified with him, but did not break his, they being under the protection of this promise as well as of the type, even the paschal-lamb (a bone of him shall not be broken); the promises, being made good to Christ, through him are sure to all the seed. It does not follow but that a good man may have a broken bone; but, by the watchful providence of God concerning him, such a calamity is often wonderfully prevented, and the preservation of his bones is the effect of this promise; and, if he have a broken bone, sooner or later it shall be made whole, at furthest at the resurrection, when that which is sown in weakness shall be raised in power.
(4.)They are, and shall be, delivered out of their troubles. [1.] It is supposed that they have their share of crosses in this world, perhaps a greater share than others. In the world they must have tribulation, that they may be conformed both to the will of God and to the example of Christ (Psa 34:19); Many are the afflictions of the righteous, witness David and his afflictions, Psa 132:1. There are those that hate them (Psa 34:21) and they are continually aiming to do them a mischief; their God loves them, and therefore corrects them; so that, between the mercy of heaven and the malice of hell, the afflictions of the righteous must needs be many. [2.] God has engaged for their deliverance and salvation: He delivers them out of all their troubles (Psa 34:17, Psa 34:19); he saves them (Psa 34:18), so that, though they may fall into trouble, it shall not be their ruin. This promise of their deliverance is explained, Psa 34:22. Whatever troubles befal them, First, They shall not hurt their better part. The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants from the power of the grave (Psa 49:15) and from the sting of every affliction. He keeps them from sinning in their troubles, which is the only thing that would do them a mischief, and keeps them from despair, and from being put out of the possession of their own souls. Secondly, They shall not hinder their everlasting bliss. None of those that trust in him shall be desolate; that is, they shall not be comfortless, for they shall not be cut off from their communion with God. No man is desolate but he whom God has forsaken, nor is any man undone till he is in hell. Those that are God's faithful servants, that make it their care to please him and their business to honour him, and in doing so trust him to protect and reward them, and, with good thoughts of him, refer themselves to him, have reason to be easy whatever befals them, for they are safe and shall be happy.
In singing these verses let us be confirmed in the choice we have made of the ways of God; let us be quickened in his service, and greatly encouraged by the assurances he has given of the particular care he takes of all those that faithfully adhere to him.
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. [Psalms 34:12-16] And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
But are ye so devoid of fear, or rather of faith, as not to believe the Lord Himself, or Paul, who in Christ's stead thus entreats: "Taste and see that Christ is God?" Faith will lead you in; experience will teach you; Scripture will train you, for it says, "Come hither, O children; listen to me, and I will teach you the fear of the Lord." Then, as to those who already believe, it briefly adds, "What man is he that desireth life, that loveth to see good days?" It is we, we shall say-we who are the devotees of good, we who eagerly desire good things. Hear, then, ye who are far off, hear ye who are near: the word has not been hidden from any; light is common, it shines "on all men." No one is a Cimmerian in respect to the word. Let us haste to salvation, to regeneration; let us who are many haste that we may be brought together into one love, according to the union of the essential unity; and let us, by being made good, conformably follow after union, seeking after the good Monad.
"What man is he that desires life, and loves to see good days?" [Psalm 34:12]. He asks a question. Does not every one among you answer, I? Is there any man among you that loves not life, that is, that desires not life, and loves not to see good days? Do ye not daily thus murmur, and thus speak; How long shall we suffer these things? Daily are they worse and worse: in our fathers' time were days more joyful, were days better. O if you could ask those same, your fathers, in like manner would they murmur to you of their own days. Our fathers were happy, miserable are we, evil days have we: such an one ruled over us, we thought that after his death might some refreshing be given to us; worse things have come: O God, show unto us good days! "What man is he that desires life, and loves to see good days?" Let him not seek here good days. A good thing he seeks, but not in its right place does he seek it. As, if you should seek some righteous man in a country, wherein he lived not, it would be said to you, A good man you seek, a great man you seek, seek him still, but not here; in vain you seek him here, you will never find him. Good days you seek, together let us seek them, seek not here....Read the Scriptures....
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SUMMARY
Psalm 34:12 introduces a profound rhetorical inquiry, appealing to the inherent human yearning for a meaningful, flourishing, and enduring existence. This verse functions as an inviting and insightful prelude, masterfully setting the stage for the practical wisdom and divine instruction that meticulously unfold in the subsequent verses of the psalm, thereby guiding the reader toward the divinely ordained path of true blessing, holistic well-being, and sustained prosperity in God.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 34:12 masterfully employs a powerful Rhetorical Question ("What man is he that desireth life...?") to immediately and effectively engage the reader. This question is not posed to elicit a verbal answer, but rather to resonate deeply within the listener's heart, affirming their own innate and universal longing for a good, flourishing, and long life. By posing such an evocative question, the psalmist implicitly promises that there is indeed a discernible and attainable path to achieving this desired state, thereby meticulously preparing the audience for the profound wisdom and practical instruction that meticulously follow. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a subtle yet effective form of Parallelism, where the clauses "desireth life" and "loveth many days" function as synonymous or complementary expressions. This structural technique powerfully reinforces the overarching idea of a deep and pervasive longing for a full, vibrant, and extended existence. The verse's structure artfully builds from the general human desire for "life" to the more specific aspiration for "many days," culminating in the ultimate aim: "that he may see good."
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 34:12 serves as a profound theological statement, anchoring the subsequent wisdom instructions in a universal human desire divinely implanted by the Creator. Theologically, it underscores God's benevolent design for humanity to flourish and experience well-being, intrinsically connecting the desire for "good" with the path of righteousness and obedience. This verse profoundly reflects the consistent message of the Old Testament wisdom tradition, which repeatedly links faithful adherence to God's commands with a blessed, prosperous, and fulfilling life. The "good" sought is not merely a material accumulation but encompasses a holistic, comprehensive well-being—spiritual vitality, moral integrity, relational harmony, and inner peace—all of which flow from a right and vibrant relationship with God and with one's neighbor. This verse implicitly sets up a foundational covenantal principle: God graciously offers life and abundant blessing, and humanity's essential role is to choose and walk the path that leads directly to it.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 34:12 extends a profound invitation for us to pause, reflect, and honestly examine the deepest longings and aspirations of our hearts. Do we genuinely desire a life characterized by God's comprehensive definition of "good"—a life marked by peace, unwavering integrity, and profound spiritual flourishing—or are our primary desires predominantly focused on fleeting worldly pleasures, ephemeral material gain, or transient self-gratification? This verse challenges us profoundly to align our deepest aspirations with divine wisdom, recognizing with clarity that the path to genuine, lasting well-being is not discovered through self-pursuit or human ingenuity, but exclusively in seeking God with all our heart and diligently adhering to His revealed ways. It serves as a powerful reminder that God, in His boundless grace, has not abandoned us without clear guidance; He has meticulously provided precise instructions for all who genuinely seek a blessed, meaningful, and purposeful existence. Our response to this penetrating rhetorical question should serve as a powerful impetus, propelling us to heed the subsequent, practical counsel embedded within the psalm, which meticulously outlines concrete steps for living righteously and experiencing the profound, transformative favor of God in every facet of our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Psalm 34:12 a guarantee of a long physical life for believers, or does "many days" imply something more?
Answer: While the desire for "many days" certainly includes the natural human longing for physical longevity, the biblical concept of "life" (Hebrew: chay) and "good" (Hebrew: ṭôwb) extends far beyond mere physical existence. It encompasses a holistic sense of well-being, spiritual vitality, profound peace, and flourishing in all aspects of life—including relationships, purpose, and inner contentment. While the Old Testament often links obedience to God's commands with long life as a general principle of blessing (for example, in Deuteronomy 5:16), it is not presented as an absolute, unconditional guarantee for every individual in every circumstance. The "good" that is "seen" is primarily the profound experience of God's favor, His abiding presence, and His comprehensive blessing, which can be profoundly enjoyed regardless of the precise length of one's earthly days. The ultimate and most profound fulfillment of this deep human desire is found in the abundant and eternal life graciously offered through Jesus Christ, a life that transcends all temporal limitations and earthly circumstances.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 34:12, with its universal appeal to the innate human desire for a flourishing life and the profound experience of "good," finds its ultimate, most comprehensive, and truly profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who shows us the way to life, but He is the very embodiment and source of "Life" itself, declaring with divine authority, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The "many days" and the experience of "seeing good" that humanity instinctively craves are fully and perfectly realized in the abundant life He offers, which encompasses both a rich, vibrant spiritual existence here on earth and the promise of eternal life in His glorious presence (John 10:10). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate "Good" (as affirmed in Mark 10:18), and to "see good" is to behold His divine glory, experience His transformative saving grace, and live in intimate communion with Him. The wisdom path meticulously outlined in Psalm 34—which includes guarding one's tongue, turning resolutely from evil, and diligently seeking peace—is perfectly exemplified, powerfully enabled, and ultimately fulfilled by Christ. He empowers believers to live righteously, not by mere human effort or willpower, but by the indwelling and transforming power of the Holy Spirit, leading to the true, lasting, and eternal "good" that profoundly satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart, culminating in the glorious promise of His return and the new heavens and new earth where righteousness eternally dwells (2 Peter 3:13).