Psalms 28:4

WEB

Give them according to their work, and according to the wickedness of their doings. Give them according to the operation of their hands. Bring back on them what they deserve.

KJV

Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

Commentary

Give them according to their deeds,.... According to the demerit of them, which is death, even death eternal; and according to the wickedness of their endeavours; for though wicked men do not always su cceed; yet their want of success does not excuse their wickedness; give them after the work of their hands; see Ti2 4:14 ; render to them their desert; what their iniquities, in thought, word, and deed, deserve: such petitions are not contrary to that Christian charity which the Gospel recommends; nor do they savour of a spirit of revenge, which is condemned by the word of God; for it should be observed, that these things are said with respect to men given up to a reprobate mind; and that the psalmist does not seek to avenge himself, nor to gratify his own mind; but he sought the glory of God, and moreover spoke by a prophetic spirit, knowing what was the will of God in this case; see Psa 28:5 ; and therefore these petitions of his are not to be drawn into an example in common and ordinary cases.