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The psalmist now, in the spirit of heartfelt trust in the helping grace of God, proceeds first to describe at length his trouble (Vers. 9, 13); and second, to pray for deliverance (vers. 14-18).

I. CAUSES OF TROUBLE. (Vers. 9, 13.)

1. Consciousness of sin. (Vers. 9, 10.) This was the constant lifelong grief. None but good men feel their sinfulness so acutely.

2. Loss of reputation. (Vers. 11, 12.) "A fear to mine acquaintance;" so that they avoided him. "Like a broken vessel;" equivalent to "an object of contempt."

3. Stood in constant danger of his life. (Ver. 13.) Through slander and misrepresentation, he was in constant fear and dread. Like some kings who live in constant dread of assassination.

II. THE CRY FOR DELIVERANCE. (Vers. 14 18.)

1. Seeks to reassure himself of his personal relation to God. (Ver. 14.) Nothing more difficult, when we see our faith despised by the whole world, than to rest on the testimony of our own conscience that "God is our God."

2. Because his times were in God's hand, he was not left to the mercy of his enemies. (Ver. 15.) God could transform evil into good, and danger into safety.

3. He was God's servant, and on that ground he cried for protection. (Ver. 16.) "Make thy face to shine." The good Master would be merciful "for his own sake" towards his servant.

4. God would not allow his faith in him to be put to shame. (Ver. 17.) He puts God in remembrance of his promise that he will hear and help those who call upon him with heartfelt confidence. He prays that his enemies may be struck dumb with the silence of the grave, so that they may be no longer able to slander him (ver. 18). His faith in God reached thus to all the difficulties of his life, and might be called a working faith. - S.

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KJV: Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.

WEB: Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief.