Psalms 41:6
And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
Psalm 41:6 belongs to the first book of the Psalms and to the psalms bearing David's name. It opens insight into the experiences of the shepherd-warrior-poet, whether keeping his flock, leading them to pasture, fleeing Saul whom he spared, surrounded by implacable and treacherous foes, among the folly and wickedness of men, or marvelously delivered on the field of victory. The verse portrays enemies plotting against an afflicted person, where a visitor speaks falsely, privately gathers up wicked plans in his heart, and then spreads them abroad when he leaves.
In its immediate setting David speaks of himself as the afflicted person. In the verse may also be read something of the experience of Christ, great David's greater Son, meeting great needs in every condition of life. The words apply to the plotting, spies, and false reports directed against Christ. The verse is instructive, devout, helpful, elevating, and worshipful, showing mistrust of human strength and exaltation of the power of God, confidence in God's might and goodness, assurance of the ultimate overthrow of all wickedness and the triumph of all good, and wonderful lessons of trust and confidence in God.