5 My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?"
5 Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
5 My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die, and his name perish?"
5 My enemies are wishing the worst for me; they make bets on what day I will die.
5 My enemies speak evil of me: "When will he die, and his name perish?"
5 But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. "How soon will he die and be forgotten?" they ask.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 41:5
Commentary on Psalm 41:5-13
(Read Psalm 41:5-13)
We complain, and justly, of the want of sincerity, and that there is scarcely any true friendship to be found among men; but the former days were no better. One particularly, in whom David had reposed great confidence, took part with his enemies. And let us not think it strange, if we receive evil from those we suppose to be friends. Have not we ourselves thus broken our words toward God? We eat of his bread daily, yet lift up the heel against him. But though we may not take pleasure in the fall of our enemies, we may take pleasure in the making vain their designs. When we can discern the Lord's favour in any mercy, personal or public, that doubles it. If the grace of God did not take constant care of us, we should not be upheld. But let us, while on earth, give heartfelt assent to those praises which the redeemed on earth and in heaven render to their God and Saviour.