Bible Commentary

Psalms 34:12

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:12

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

What man is he that desireth life? Like most moralists, David begins with asking men—Do they wish for happiness? If so, and he assumes that it is so (comp. Arist; 'Eth. Nic.,' I. 1.-7.), then he will point them out the way to it.

And loveth many days, that he may see good? Mere life, mere length of days, would not suffice for men, would be no object of desire, unless it were assumed that the days would bring them "good"—in other words, that they would be happy days.

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 34:12

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-22Psalms 34:1-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION THIS is the third of the alphabetical psalms, and appears to have a special connection with the second of them, Psalms 25:1-22. Like that psalm, it omits the vav, and has a second pe at the end, which, moreov…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-22Psalms 34:1-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryLife's experiences turned to manifold uses. £ There is no sufficient reason for severing this psalm from the detail of history to which its title refers; and it is much to be wished that its writer had uniformly turned…Matthew Henry on Psalms 34:11-22Psalms 34:11-22 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryLet young persons set out in life with learning the fear of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here, and eternal happiness hereafter. Those will be most happy who begin the soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:11-22Psalms 34:11-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe secret and blessings of a happy life. "In this second part the psalmist turns to believers, addresses them, and says that it is his design to teach them the art of leading a happy and quiet life, and of being secure…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:11-22Psalms 34:11-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe second, didactic, part of the psalm here begins. The writer assumes the role of the teacher, and, addressing his readers as "sons," undertakes to "teach them the fear of the Lord" (Psalms 34:11), or, in other words,…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:12Psalms 34:12 · The Pulpit CommentaryLong life. We may learn here— I. THAT THE DESIRE FOR LONG LIFE IS NATURAL TO MAN. There may be times, when, under the pressure of trial and weariness, we are ready to say, with Job," I would not live alway." But this is…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-22Life's experiences turned to manifold uses. £ There is no sufficient reason for severing this psalm from the detail of history to which its title refers; and it is much to be wished that its writer had uniformly turned…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-22EXPOSITION THIS is the third of the alphabetical psalms, and appears to have a special connection with the second of them, Psalms 25:1-22. Like that psalm, it omits the vav, and has a second pe at the end, which, moreov…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 34:11-22Let young persons set out in life with learning the fear of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here, and eternal happiness hereafter. Those will be most happy who begin the soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:11-22The secret and blessings of a happy life. "In this second part the psalmist turns to believers, addresses them, and says that it is his design to teach them the art of leading a happy and quiet life, and of being secure…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:11-22The second, didactic, part of the psalm here begins. The writer assumes the role of the teacher, and, addressing his readers as "sons," undertakes to "teach them the fear of the Lord" (Psalms 34:11), or, in other words,…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:12Long life. We may learn here— I. THAT THE DESIRE FOR LONG LIFE IS NATURAL TO MAN. There may be times, when, under the pressure of trial and weariness, we are ready to say, with Job," I would not live alway." But this is…Joseph S. Exell and contributors