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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 52, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [To the chief Musician, Maschil, {A Psalm} of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech.] Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God {endureth} continually. {Maschil: or, of instruction}
Psalms 52:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Psalms 52:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 Thou lovest evil more than good; {and} lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
Psalms 52:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O {thou} deceitful tongue. {O thou...: or, and the deceitful tongue}
Psalms 52:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {destroy...: Heb. beat thee down}
Psalms 52:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:
Psalms 52:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {wickedness: or, substance}
Psalms 52:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 52:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 52:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.