The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 18:21

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

For I have kept the ways of the Lord. Compare the statement of the young man whom Jesus "looked upon and loved' (Mark 10:21), "All these commandments have I observed from my youth" (Psalms 18:20). And have not wickedly departed from my God.

It is observed that the word translated by "departed wickedly" implies "wilful and persistent wickedness" ('Speaker's Commentary')—"an entire alienation from God" (Calvin). Not even in the humblest of the penitential psalms, when David is bewailing his great offence, does he use this verb of himself.

He is an example to all men not to indulge in a false humility, nor employ phrases concerning himself which go beyond the truth.

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