Psalm 73:7

EXPOSITION

Verse 7. Their eyes stand out with fatness. In cases of obesity the eyes usually appear to be enclosed in fat, but sometimes they protrude; in either case the countenance is changed, loses its human form, and is assimilated to that of fatted swine. The face is here the index of the man: the man has more than suffices him; he is glutted and surfeited with wealth, and yet is one of the wicked whom God abhorreth.

They have more than heart could wish. Their wishes are gratified, and more; their very greediness is exceeded; they call for water, and the world gives them milk; they ask for hundreds, and thousands are lavished at their feet. The heart is beyond measure gluttonous, and yet in the case of certain ungodly millionaires, who have rivalled Sardanapalus both in lust and luxury, it has seemed as if their wishes were exceeded, and their meat surpassed their appetite.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 7. Their eyes. "A man may be known by his look," saith the son of Sirach, Ecclus. 19:29. The choleric, the lascivious, the melancholy, the cunning, etc., frequently bear their tempers and ruling passions strongly marked on their countenances: but more especially doth the soul of a man look forth at his eyes. George Horne.

Verse 7. (first clause). They sink others' eyes into their heads with leanness, while their own eyes stand out with fatness. Thomas Adams.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 7. The dangers of opulence and luxury.