Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 34:14

14. Depart from evil , and do good : seek peace , and pursue it .

(i. e.) From all sin, and especially from all wicked and injurious Acts, and practises against thy Neighbour.

Be ready to perform all good and friendly Offices to all Men, as thou hast Opportunity.

Study by all means possible, to live peaceably and quietly with all Men, avoiding Grudges, Debates, Dissensions, Strifes and Enmities.

Do not only embrace it gladly when it is offered, but follow hard a[illegible: 1+ letters]r [illegible: 1+ letters]t, when it seems to flee away from thee, and use all possible indeavours by fair Words▪ by Condescensions, and by the Mediation or Assistance of others to recover it, and to Compose all Differences which may arise, between thee and others. It is here observable, that whereas he said he would Teach them the Fear of the Lord, v. 11. the Lessons he teacheth them, v. 13, 14: are only such as concern Men. Not that he meant to exclude Duties of piety towards God, which he every where enjoyneth and presseth as most necessary, but only to Teach us, what is oft inclucared, both in the Old and New Testament, that sincere Religion towards God, is always accompanied with a Conscientious discharge of our Duties to men; and to Convince the Hypocritical Iraelites, and particularly his Adversaries, that so long as it was their daily Course and Practise, to speak and Act all manner of Evil against him, and other good Men, all their pretences to Religion, were but vain.

Marginal references: Psal. 37. 27:; Heb. 12. 14.