Psalm 40:4 - I Waited Patiently for the LORD
Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust
This phrase emphasizes the concept of divine blessing associated with placing one's trust in God. In biblical terms, "blessed" often refers to a state of happiness or divine favor. Trusting in the LORD is a central theme throughout Scripture, seen in passages like Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages believers to trust in the LORD with all their heart. The act of making the LORD one's trust implies a conscious decision to rely on God's faithfulness and sovereignty rather than human strength or wisdom. This trust is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen in the lives of patriarchs like Abraham, who was counted righteous because of his faith (Genesis 15:6).
who has not turned to the proud
The proud, in biblical literature, often represent those who rely on their own strength, wisdom, or wealth rather than on God. This phrase warns against aligning oneself with such individuals, as pride is frequently condemned in Scripture (Proverbs 16:18). The proud are contrasted with the humble, whom God favors (James 4:6). In the cultural context of ancient Israel, pride was seen as a significant barrier to a right relationship with God, as it leads to self-reliance and a rejection of divine authority. The psalmist's warning here is a call to humility and dependence on God rather than on human arrogance.
nor to those who lapse into falsehood
This part of the verse highlights the danger of associating with deceitful individuals. Falsehood, or deceit, is consistently condemned in the Bible, as it is contrary to God's nature, who is truth (John 14:6). The historical context of Israel included many instances where false prophets and deceitful leaders led the people astray, resulting in judgment and exile (Jeremiah 23:16-22). The psalmist's admonition serves as a reminder to seek truth and integrity, aligning oneself with God's word and His righteous standards. This call to avoid falsehood is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to live lives marked by honesty and sincerity.
Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The central figure in this verse, representing God as the object of trust and faithfulness.
2. The Man
Refers to any individual who places their trust in the LORD, highlighting the personal relationship between God and believers.
3. The Proud
Represents those who rely on their own strength and wisdom rather than on God, often leading others astray.
4. Those Who Lapse into Falsehood
Individuals or groups who engage in deceit and falsehood, contrasting with the truth found in God.
Teaching Points
Trust in the LORD
Emphasize the importance of placing complete trust in God rather than in human wisdom or strength. This trust leads to a blessed life.
Avoiding Pride
Highlight the dangers of pride and self-reliance, which can lead to spiritual downfall and separation from God.
Commitment to Truth
Encourage believers to remain committed to truth and integrity, avoiding deceit and falsehood in all aspects of life.
Blessed Assurance
Reflect on the assurance and peace that come from trusting in God, knowing that He is faithful and true.
Discernment in Relationships
Teach the importance of discerning the influences in our lives, choosing to associate with those who encourage faithfulness to God.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 40What is the significance of the Rock of Salvation?(Psalm 27:14) In light of enduring suffering throughout history, how does 'waiting on the LORD' hold up against the apparent silence or absence of divine intervention?(Psalm 26:1) How can David claim complete integrity when other scriptures say no one is without sin?What does 'The joy of the Lord is your strength' mean?
(4) Respecteth not.--Better, turneth not towards proud men and false apostates. The words are, however, somewhat obscure. The LXX. and Vulg. have "vanities and false madnesses." The words we have rendered false apostates are by some translated "turners after idols." Idolatry is doubtless implied, but not expressed.
Verse 4. - Blessed is that man (rather, the man) that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud; or, turneth not to the proud - does not go over to their party or espouse their principles. Absalom's adherents are probably the persons intended. Nor such as turn aside to lies; i.e. "prefer falsehood to truth," the cause of the ungodly to that of God himself. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Blessed
אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי (’aš·rê)
Interjection
Strong's 835: Happiness, interjection, how happy!
is the man
הַגֶּ֗בֶר (hag·ge·ḇer)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply
who
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that
has made
שָׂ֣ם (śām)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set
the LORD
יְ֭הֹוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
his trust,
מִבְטַח֑וֹ (miḇ·ṭa·ḥōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4009: A refuge, security, assurance
who has not
וְֽלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no
turned
פָנָ֥ה (p̄ā·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look
to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to
the proud,
רְ֝הָבִ֗ים (rə·hā·ḇîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7295: Proud, defiant
nor to those who lapse
וְשָׂטֵ֥י (wə·śā·ṭê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7750: To detrude, become derelict
into falsehood!
כָזָֽב׃ (ḵā·zāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3577: A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing
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Psalm 40:4 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 40:4 Blessed is the man who makes Yahweh (Psalm Ps Psa.)