Psalms 28:4

4 Give them according to their work, and according to the wickedness of their doings. Give them according to the operation of their hands. Bring back on them what they deserve.

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 petitions, when I cry to you, When I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Don't draw me away with the wicked, With the workers of iniquity who speak shalom 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 according to the operation of their hands. Bring back on them what they deserve.

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

6 Blessed be the LORD, Because he has heard the voice of my petitions.