Commentary on Psalms Volume 1 John Calvin (continued)
COMMENTARY ON PSALMS
gentleness and humanity, 353 who desire to do good to all men, and wish to hurt nobody, whenever they are provoked, burst forth into a revengeful mood, carried away by a blind impetuosity; especially when we see all right and equity overthrown, the confusion so blinds us, that we begin to howl with the wolves. If, therefore, we would have a good rule for governing ourselves, when our enemies, by their mischievous actions, provoke us to treat them in a similar manner, let us learn, after the example of David, to meditate upon the word of God, and to keep our eyes fixed upon it. By this means our minds will be preserved from ever being blinded, and we shall always avoid the paths of wickedness, seeing God will not only keep our affections under restraint by his commandments, but will also train them to patience by his promises. He withholds us from doing evil to our neighbors, 354 not only by forbidding us, but by declaring, at the same time, that he will take into his own hand the execution of vengeance on those who injure us, 355 he admonishes us to "give place unto wrath," (Romans 12:19.)
Psalm 17:5-6
5. Uphold my steps in thy paths, that the soles of my feet may not slide. 6. I have called upon thee, surely thou wilt hear me, O God; incline thine ear unto me, and hear my words.
5. Uphold my steps. If we take God's paths for the precepts of his law, the sense will be evident, namely, that although David had spoken according to truth, in boasting of having, in the midst of the most grievous temptations which assailed him, constantly practiced righteousness with a pure heart, yet, conscious of his own weakness, he commits himself to God to be governed by him, and prays for grace to enable him to persevere. His language is as if he had said, Since hitherto, under thy guidance, I have proceeded onward in the right path, I beseech thee, in like manner, to keep my steps from sliding with respect to the time to come. And certainly the more any one excels in grace, 356 the more ought he to be afraid of falling; for it is the usual policy of Satan to endeavor, even from the virtue and "Car mesme ceux qui sont de nature enclins a debonnairete." — Fr.
"De real faire a nos prochains." — Fr.
"Qu'il prendra en main la vengence contre ceux qui nous outragent." — Fr.