Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Psalms 41:1-3

PSALM 41

Psa 41:1-13. The Psalmist celebrates the blessedness of those who compassionate the poor, conduct strongly contrasted with the spite of his enemies and neglect of his friends in his calamity. He prays for God's mercy in view of his ill desert, and, in confidence of relief, and that God will vindicate his cause, he closes with a doxology.

1-3. God rewards kindness to the poor (Pr 19:17). From Psa 41:2, 11 it may be inferred that the Psalmist describes his own conduct.

poor--in person, position, and possessions.