6 And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold[1] refined seven times.

Other Translations of Psalm 12:6

King James Version

6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

English Standard Version

6 The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

The Message

6 God's words are pure words, Pure silver words refined seven times In the fires of his word-kiln, Pure on earth as well as in heaven.

New King James Version

6 The words of the Lord are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.

New Living Translation

6 The Lord 's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 12:6

Chapter Contents

The psalmist begs help of God, because there were none among men whom he durst trust.

This psalm furnishes good thoughts for bad times; a man may comfort himself with such meditations and prayers. Let us see what makes the times bad, and when they may be said to be so. Ask the children of this world, What makes the times bad? they will tell you, Scarcity of money, decay of trade, and the desolations of war, make the times bad: but the Scripture lays the badness of the times on causes of another nature, 2 Timothy 3:1, & c.: perilous times shall come, for sin shall abound; and of this David complains. When piety decays times really are bad. He who made man's mouth will call him to an account for his proud, profane, dissembling, or even useless words. When the poor and needy are oppressed, then the times are very bad. God himself takes notice of the oppression of the poor, and the sighing of the needy. When wickedness abounds, and is countenanced by those in authority, then the times are very bad. See with what good things we are here furnished for such bad times; and we cannot tell what times we may be reserved for. 1. We have a God to go to, from whom we may ask and expect the redress of all our grievances. 2. God will certainly punish and restrain false and proud men. 3. God will work deliverance for his oppressed people. His help is given in the fittest time. Though men are false, God is faithful; though they are not to be trusted, God is. The preciousness of God's word is compared to silver refined to the highest degree. How many proofs have been given of its power and truth! God will secure his chosen remnant, however bad the times are. As long as the world stands, there will be a generation of proud and wicked men. But all God's people are put into the hands of Christ our Saviour; there they are in safety, for none can pluck them thence; being built on Him, the Rock, they are safe, notwithstanding temptation or persecution come with ever so much force upon them.

140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.

Other Translations of Psalm 119:140

King James Version

140 Thy word is very pure: pure: Heb. tried, or, refined therefore thy servant loveth it.

English Standard Version

140 Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.

The Message

140 Your promise has been tested through and through, and I, your servant, love it dearly.

New King James Version

140 Your word is very pure; Therefore Your servant loves it.

New Living Translation

140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 119:140

Commentary on Psalm 119:137-144

(Read Psalm 119:137-144)

God never did, and never can do wrong to any. The promises are faithfully performed by Him that made them. Zeal against sin should constrain us to do what we can against it, at least to do more in religion ourselves. Our love to the word of God is evidence of our love to God, because it is designed to make us partake his holiness. Men's real excellency always makes them low in their own eyes. When we are small and despised, we have the more need to remember God's precepts, that we may have them to support us. The law of God is the truth, the standard of holiness, the rule of happiness; but the obedience of Christ alone justifies the believer. Sorrows are often the lot of saints in this vale of tears; they are in heaviness through manifold temptations. There are delights in the word of God, which the saints often most sweetly enjoy when in trouble and anguish. This is life eternal, to know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, John 17:3. May we live the life of faith and grace here, and be removed to the life of glory hereafter.