4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear.
4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
4 shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.
4 They shoot from ambush, shoot without warning, not caring who they hit.
4 That they may shoot in secret at the blameless; Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.
4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent, attacking suddenly and fearlessly.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 64:4
Commentary on Psalm 64:1-6
(Read Psalm 64:1-6)
The psalmist earnestly begs of God to preserve him from disquieting fear. The tongue is a little member, but it boasts great things. The upright man is the mark at which the wicked aim, they cannot speak peaceably either of him or to him. There is no guard against a false tongue. It is bad to do wrong, but worse to encourage ourselves and one another in it. It is a sign that the heart is hardened to the greatest degree, when it is thus fully set to do evil. A practical disbelief of God's knowledge of all things, is at the bottom of every wickedness. The benefit of a good cause and a good conscience, appears most when nothing can help a man against his enemies, save God alone, who is always a present help.