Bible Commentary

Psalms 131:1-3

Matthew Henry on Psalms 131:1-3

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

The psalmist aimed at nothing high or great, but to be content in every condition God allotted. Humble saints cannot think so well of themselves as others think of them. The love of God reigning in the heart, will subdue self-love.

Where there is a proud heart, there is commonly a proud look. To know God and our duty, is learning sufficiently high for us. It is our wisdom not to meddle with that which does not belong to us. He was well reconciled to every condition the Lord placed him in.

He had been as humble as a little child about the age of weaning, and as far from aiming at high things; as entirely at God's disposal, as the child at the disposal of the mother or nurse. We must become as little children, Mt 18:3.

Our hearts are desirous of worldly things, cry for them, and are fond of them; but, by the grace of God, a soul that is made holy, is weaned from these things. The child is cross and fretful while in the weaning; but in a day or two it cares no longer for milk, and it can bear stronger food.

Thus does a converted soul quiet itself under the loss of what it loved, and disappointments in what it hoped for, and is easy whatever happens. When our condition is not to our mind, we must bring our mind to our condition; then we are easy to ourselves and all about us; then our souls are as a weaned child.

And thus the psalmist recommends confidence in God, to all the Israel of God, from his own experience. It is good to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord under every trial.

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The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3Psalms 131:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION This psalm has been said to be "like a string era Christian 'Lyre Innocentium'" (Bishop Alexander). It breathes the profoundest humility and submission to God's will (Psalms 131:1, Psalms 131:2). At the same…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1Psalms 131:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryLord, my heart is not haughty; or, "not lifted up". Not unduly elated by the prosperity that thou hast bestowed on me. Nor mine eyes lofty (comp. Psalms 101:5), "Pride," as Hengstenberg says, "has its seat in the heart,…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3Psalms 131:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryLowliness of mind. This psalm may have been written by David so far as its subject-matter is concerned. For that lowliness of mind of which it treats is quite as compatible with a high as with a humble position in life.…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3Psalms 131:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe soul's most blessed condition. That which the psalmist here affirms of himself is undoubtedly the spiritual condition which is nearest to heaven that here on earth we can know. I. HE TELLS US WHAT IT IS NOT. 1. Prid…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1Psalms 131:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe sense of what is acceptable with God. This psalm expresses the meek humility of the pardoned and restored sinner. But taken as expressing the sentiment of the restored nation, it suggests the mood of cherished feeli…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1Psalms 131:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryOn knowing our spheres. Prayer-book Version, "I do not exercise myself in great matters: which are too high for me." The poet disclaims three distinct kinds of pride; secret conceit of heart; the ostentation of the man…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3EXPOSITION This psalm has been said to be "like a string era Christian 'Lyre Innocentium'" (Bishop Alexander). It breathes the profoundest humility and submission to God's will (Psalms 131:1, Psalms 131:2). At the same…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1Lord, my heart is not haughty; or, "not lifted up". Not unduly elated by the prosperity that thou hast bestowed on me. Nor mine eyes lofty (comp. Psalms 101:5), "Pride," as Hengstenberg says, "has its seat in the heart,…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3Humility. "Lord, my heart is not haughty," etc. "The psalmist has learned from adversity the lesson of submission, and counsels the nation to fit itself in like manner for winning the blessings which are still in store.…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3Lowliness of mind. This psalm may have been written by David so far as its subject-matter is concerned. For that lowliness of mind of which it treats is quite as compatible with a high as with a humble position in life.…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1-3The soul's most blessed condition. That which the psalmist here affirms of himself is undoubtedly the spiritual condition which is nearest to heaven that here on earth we can know. I. HE TELLS US WHAT IT IS NOT. 1. Prid…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1The sense of what is acceptable with God. This psalm expresses the meek humility of the pardoned and restored sinner. But taken as expressing the sentiment of the restored nation, it suggests the mood of cherished feeli…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:1On knowing our spheres. Prayer-book Version, "I do not exercise myself in great matters: which are too high for me." The poet disclaims three distinct kinds of pride; secret conceit of heart; the ostentation of the man…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 131:2Surely I have behaved and quieted myself; rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul. I have brought my soul into a state of peacefulness and content. As a child that is weaned of his mother. The weaned child is quiet a…Joseph S. Exell and contributors