Those who think to support themselves in their own power and wealth without God and His Word,
are wretchedly deceived, for their houses are built on sand.
The ruin of mighty, yet godless men cannot but be universally noticed when that day comes.
Psalm 1
1 Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.
2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.
5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.
6 The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:
7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.
8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.
Psalm 1 – J. Vernon McGee
Psalm 52 – The Boaster and the Truster
The inscription of this psalm describes its origin. The contrast which it presents is full of instruction. The ungodly is often a mighty man in the estimation of the world. He boasts mischief; his tongue resembles the razor, which inflicts sharp and deep wounds; his words devour reputations, family-peace, and souls.
What a contrast is presented by the humble believer who trusts, not in wealth which vanishes, but in God’s mercy which abides forever! Psalm 52:1-8. As the olives grew around the humble forest sanctuary at Nob, where the tragedy which called forth this psalm took place, and were hallowed by the shrine they encompassed, so the believer grows and is safe in loving fellowship with his Almighty Friend. Let us be among God’s evergreens, drawing our nutriment from Him, as the roots struck into the rich mold. The psalmist is so certain of vindication and so assured of the overthrow of wickedness that he celebrates God’s interposition before it takes place, and accounts it as being already accomplished. —Through the Bible Day by Day
Psalm 52:8—I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.
In its dress of evergreen, the olive is at all times a beautiful object. Many reasons demand that we should resemble it. There are three ways of becoming like a green olive tree, mentioned in this and the following verses:–
Trust in the mercy of God.—To trust when the light has burnt to its socket in the house of life, and the heart is as lonely as Job’s amid the wreck of his home. To believe that the mercy of God is not clear gone, nor his tender mercies have failed. To know that all is well, that seems most ill. This keeps the heart from withering.
Thanksgiving.—“I will give thanks unto thee for ever” (Psalm 30:12). There is always something to thank God for. When some one condoled with the old slave woman, because she had only two teeth left, she replied quickly, “But I thank Him, honey, all the time, that they are opposite each other.” Find out with Paul something to be happy about, even when arraigned before a judge, on trial for your life. “I think myself happy, king Agrippa” (Acts 26:2).
Waiting on God.—Not always talking to Him or about Him, but waiting before Him, till the stream runs clear; till the cream rises to the top; till the mists part, and the soul regains its equilibrium. This keeps the soul calm and still. The name of God is good, a wholesome theme for meditation, because it includes his nature. To meditate on it is soul-quieting and elevating. O troubled one, get away to some quiet spot and wait on God! Look away from the wind and waves to the face of Jesus. The Divine Name is written on those dear features; and heaven looks forth from those true, deep, tender eyes. The house of God is a safe and sheltered place for his olive-trees! —Our Daily Homily