18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 34:18
Commentary on Psalm 34:11-22
(Read Psalm 34:11-22)
Let 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 to be happy. Surely this must look further than the present world; for man's life on earth consists but of few days, and those full of trouble. What man is he that would see the good of that where all bliss is perfect? Alas! few have this good in their thoughts. That religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal for peace' sake. It is the constant practice of real believers, when in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant comfort that he hears them. The righteous are humbled for sin, and are low in their own eyes. Nothing is more needful to true godliness than a contrite heart, broken off from every self-confidence. In this soil every grace will flourish, and nothing can encourage such a one but the free, rich grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The righteous are taken under the special protection of the Lord, yet they have their share of crosses in this world, and there are those that hate them. Both from the mercy of Heaven, and the malice of hell, the afflictions of the righteous must be many. But whatever troubles befal them, shall not hurt their souls, for God keeps them from sinning in troubles. No man is desolate, but he whom God has forsaken.