Psalm 61 – Nonne Deo

The prophet encourageth himself and all others to trust in God, and serve him.

[1] Unto the end, for Idithun, a psalm of David. [2] Shall not my soul be subject to God? for from him is my salvation. [3] For he is my God and my saviour: he is my protector, I shall be moved no more. [4] How long do you rush in upon a man? you all kill, as if you were thrusting down a leaning wall, and a tottering fence. [5] But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart.

[6] But be thou, O my soul, subject to God: for from him is my patience. [7] For he is my God and my saviour: he is my helper, I shall not be moved. [8] In God is my salvation and my glory: he is the God of my help, and my hope is in God. [9] Trust in him, all ye congregation of people: pour out your hearts before him. God is our helper for ever. [10] But vain are the sons of men, the sons of men are liars in the balances: that by vanity they may together deceive.

[11] Trust not in iniquity, and cover not robberies: if riches abound, set not your heart upon them. [12] God hath spoken once, these two things have I heard, that power belongeth to God, [13] And mercy to thee, O Lord; for thou wilt render to every man according to his works.

Commentary

[10] “Are liars in the balances”: They are so vain and light, that if they are put into the scales, they will be found to be of no weight; and to be mere lies, deceit, and vanity. Or, They are liars in their balances, by weighing things by false weights, and preferring the temporal before the eternal.