Psalms 50:12
If I were hungry, I would not tell thee, for the world is mine, and the fulnesse thereof. Psalms 50:12 (KJV)
Psalm 50 is attributed to Asaph, one of the Levites appointed by King David to be in charge of musical worship. In this psalm God is portrayed as the righteous Judge who calls His people to account for their actions and motivations in worship.
The psalm contains several memorable exhortations. Verse 14 says, “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High.” Verse 15 continues, “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Verse 23 adds, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.” Another frequently cited line reads, “If thou doest good, know that it is of God: but if thou doest evil, it shall not be accepted.” A further passage, though not found in the KJV rendering of verse 12, is often quoted: “But if thou wilt give thanks, that is, praise, unto me: and if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes, and my commandments, as thy delight.”
Key themes emerge clearly from these verses. First, gratitude and praise are presented as essential responses to God’s goodness; offering sincere thanks honors Him. Second, walking in God’s ways is presented as a call to align one’s conduct with His statutes and commandments. Third, delight in God’s statutes is emphasized, suggesting that obedience should be experienced as joy rather than mere duty.
Application of the passage challenges believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude, offering genuine praise to God. It also invites each person to examine their life, ensuring that actions correspond with God’s commandments. When believers find delight in keeping God’s statutes, obedience becomes a source of fulfillment, leading to the richness of His blessings and a deeper relationship with Him.
Overall, Psalm 50 reminds the worshiping community that thankfulness, obedient living, and joyful adherence to God’s law are integral to authentic worship and to experiencing the salvation and favor He offers to those who honor Him.
