Psalms 28:4

4 Give them according to their work, and according to the wickedness of their doings: Give them after the operation of their hands; Render to them their desert.

Psalms 28:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 28:4

Give them according to their deeds
According to the demerit of them, which is death, even death eternal;

and according to the wickedness of their endeavours;
for though wicked men do not always succeed; yet their want of success does not excuse their wickedness;

give them after the work of their hands;
see ( 2 Timothy 4:14 ) ;

render to them their desert;
what their iniquities, in thought, word, and deed, deserve: such petitions are not contrary to that Christian charity which the Gospel recommends; nor do they savour of a spirit of revenge, which is condemned by the word of God; for it should be observed, that these things are said with respect to men given up to a reprobate mind; and that the psalmist does not seek to avenge himself, nor to gratify his own mind; but he sought the glory of God, and moreover spoke by a prophetic spirit, knowing what was the will of God in this case; see ( Psalms 28:5 ) ; and therefore these petitions of his are not to be drawn into an example in common and ordinary cases.

Psalms 28:4 In-Context

2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, When I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

3 Draw me not away with the wicked, And with the workers of iniquity; That speak peace with their neighbors, But mischief is in their hearts.

4 Give them according to their work, and according to the wickedness of their doings: Give them after the operation of their hands; Render to them their desert.

5 Because they regard not the works of Jehovah, Nor the operation of his hands, He will break them down and not build them up.

6 Blessed be Jehovah, Because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.