ARGUMENT

ARG. THOMAS. That CHRIST is the salvation of all the righteous that hope in Him. Hence He exhorteth all to faith, showing the salvation of the Church, and admonishing all them that believe to remain firm in the faith. Read with this Psalm the Wisdom of Solomon.

VEN. BEDE. Since most men feel so deeply the affliction of the good and the prosperity of the wicked, that they care not for virtue which is unremunerated in this life, this Psalm is composed to refute such an error, by teaching that we are to look to the end of both. It is alphabetical, and the voice of the Church is heard throughout; but the sixteenth letter is wanting. At the beginning she admonishes men not to imitate the wicked, but to ask from the LORD everything that is good, since He knoweth how to give that which will profit, and to preserve those good things which He hath given. Next, she teaches how the wicked after all envy the just, as knowing his portion to be so far the superior. Thirdly, she bears witness that she has never seen the righteous man forsaken, mingling the punishment of the wicked and the reward of the just in a profitable interchange. The first head containeth six letters; the second, seven; the third, eight.

SYRIAC PSALTER. Concerning them who say that GOD avengeth not Himself on the transgressors.

S. JEROME. This Psalm glorifieth the person of the righteous, blameth that of the unrighteous, teacheth the goodness of GOD, plucketh up depravity.