Psalm Chapter 52 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.
2 The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.
5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.
6 The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:
7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.
8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 52:1
Verse: מַדּוּעַ תְּהַלֵּל רָשָׁע
Transliteration: Madua tehalel rasha
English: “Why do you boast, O mighty man of mischief?”
Focus Word: רָשָׁע (Rasha)
- Root: ר-ש-ע (Resh-Shin-Ayin)
- Meaning: “Wicked,” “evildoer,” “mischievous.”
- Deeper Insight: Hebrew rasha denotes moral corruption and active rebellion against God’s ways.
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 52 |
|---|---|---|
| John Calvin (University of Paris / Orléans, 1509–1564) | Commentaries on the Psalms | Calvin observes that pride leads to ruin, contrasting the arrogant with the steadfast in God. |
| Matthew Henry (Christ Church, Oxford, 1662–1714) | Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Notes the Psalm encourages humility and reliance on God rather than personal strength. |
| Richard Sibbes (Pembroke College, Cambridge, 1577–1635) | The Bruised Reed | Highlights that God exposes the deceitful and supports those who trust Him. |
| John Owen (University of Oxford, 1616–1683) | A Commentary on the Psalms | Observes that the Psalm demonstrates God’s judgment against evil and the blessings for the faithful. |
| Thomas Manton (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1620–1677) | Exposition of the Psalms | Notes that arrogance blinds the sinner, whereas the upright find stability in God. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| C. H. Spurgeon – Treasury of David | Spurgeon sees this psalm as denouncing the braggart who trusts in malice and deceit. God’s justice will uproot the evildoer. The righteous remain steadfast in God’s house. |
| Franz Delitzsch – Commentary on the Psalms | Delitzsch reads the psalm as exposing the destructive power of the lying tongue. Divine judgment cuts down the wicked. The psalmist flourishes in God’s steadfast love. |
| C. F. Keil – Keil & Delitzsch Commentary | Keil interprets the psalm as a direct attack on malicious arrogance. God will destroy the wicked root and branch. The righteous thrive under His mercy. |
| E. W. Hengstenberg – Commentary on the Psalms | Hengstenberg views the wicked man’s boasting as self-destructive folly. God’s justice is swift and certain. The psalmist confesses trust in divine goodness. |
| J. J. Stewart Perowne – The Psalms | Perowne interprets the psalm as contrasting the downfall of the wicked with the flourishing of the righteous. Evil is unsustainable. Faith finds refuge in God’s mercy. |
| A. F. Kirkpatrick – Cambridge Bible Commentary | Kirkpatrick stresses the psalm’s emphasis on treachery and deceit. God’s uprooting judgment is final. The righteous remain planted in divine faithfulness. |
| W. T. Davison – Westminster Commentary | Davison sees the psalm as a moral warning against the misuse of speech. The wicked man’s ruin is inevitable. The psalmist’s trust is unwavering. |
| James G. Murphy – Commentary on the Psalms | Murphy highlights the wicked man’s misplaced confidence in mischief. God will cast him down forever. The righteous respond with praise. |
| F. C. Cook – Speaker’s Commentary | Cook reads the psalm as exposing the futility of wicked ambition. Divine judgment is decisive. The psalmist grows like an olive tree in God’s presence. |
| William Lindsay Alexander – The Psalms: Translated and Explained | Alexander views the psalm as condemning malicious deceit rooted in pride. God’s destruction of the wicked is thorough. The righteous stand firm in God’s everlasting love. |
