18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
18 God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it.
18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.
18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
(Read Psalm 145:10-21)
All God's works show forth his praises. He satisfies the desire of every living thing, except the unreasonable children of men, who are satisfied with nothing. He does good to all the children of men; his own people in a special manner. Many children of God, who have been ready to fall into sin, to fall into despair, have tasted his goodness in preventing their falls, or recovering them speedily by his graces and comforts. And with respect to all that are heavy laden under the burden of sin, if they come to Christ by faith, he will ease them, he will raise them. He is very ready to hear and answer the prayers of his people. He is present every where; but in a special way he is nigh to them, as he is not to others. He is in their hearts, and dwells there by faith, and they dwell in him. He is nigh to those that call upon him, to help them in all times of need. He will be nigh to them, that they may have what they ask, and find what they seek, if they call upon him in truth and sincerity. And having taught men to love his name and holy ways, he will save them from the destruction of the wicked. May we then love his name, and walk in his ways, while we desire that all flesh should bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 34:18
Commentary on Psalm 34:11-22
(Read Psalm 34:11-22)
Let young persons set out in life with learning the fear of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here, and eternal happiness hereafter. Those will be most happy who begin the soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim to be happy. Surely this must look further than the present world; for man's life on earth consists but of few days, and those full of trouble. What man is he that would see the good of that where all bliss is perfect? Alas! few have this good in their thoughts. That religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal for peace' sake. It is the constant practice of real believers, when in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant comfort that he hears them. The righteous are humbled for sin, and are low in their own eyes. Nothing is more needful to true godliness than a contrite heart, broken off from every self-confidence. In this soil every grace will flourish, and nothing can encourage such a one but the free, rich grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The righteous are taken under the special protection of the Lord, yet they have their share of crosses in this world, and there are those that hate them. Both from the mercy of Heaven, and the malice of hell, the afflictions of the righteous must be many. But whatever troubles befal them, shall not hurt their souls, for God keeps them from sinning in troubles. No man is desolate, but he whom God has forsaken.