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Psalm 52:1-9. This psalm is

A stern upbraiding addressed to the man who, unscrupulous in the exercise of his power, and proud of his wealth, finds his delight in all the arts of the practised liar.

I. THE ARROGANCE OF A WICKED MAN IN WORLDLY POWER.

1. He boasts of the evil which he does. He is not ashamed of his wickedness.

2. He is bent upon ever new forms of mischief. Works deceitfully, and not openly, and his tongue, as the instrument of his mind, is ever plotting fresh devices of evil.

3. He loves false speaking and false ways more than the true. The wickedness is ingrained, and not merely resorted to for a purpose.

4. He exults in material riches. Thinks they can carry him through, and enable him to brave all consequences.

II. THE CERTAINTY OF HIS OVERTHROW.

1. The goodness of God will ensure it. God loves the good; and his love for them endureth for ever - ensuring the overthrow of the wicked.

2. The sure connection of guilt and punishment. (Ver. 5.) The psalmist had no hesitation in predicting his future fall.

III. THE SYMPATHY WHICH GOOD MEN FEEL WITH GOD'S RIGHTEOUS WORK. (Ver. 6.) They are filled with a holy filial fear; and they rejoice at the triumph of the right and the true over the unjust and the untrue.

IV. GOD'S GOODNESS GIVES CONFIDENCE AND THANKFULNESS TO THE RIGHTEOUS (Vers. 8, 9.) Trust, praise, and patience wait upon thy Name. - S.

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KJV: {To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech.} Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

WEB: Why do you boast of mischief, mighty man? God's loving kindness endures continually.