Psalms 41:1 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Blessed is he that considereth the poor Or, poor man; that conducts himself wisely and prudently toward him; as משׂכיל, maschil, properly signifies, that does not rashly and foolishly censure and condemn him, much less insult over him, but considers his case with prudence and tenderness, remembering it may be his own, and therefore pities and helps him; and thus takes the likeliest way to obtain similar pity for himself when in trouble. But the word דל dal, here rendered the poor, means the weak, sick, or languishing person, as appears by comparing this with Psalms 41:3, where the mercy which he is supposed to have afforded to him is returned to himself, and with Psalms 41:8. To conduct ourselves wisely toward such, is to take cognizance of their wants and miseries; to sympathize with them, and judge charitably concerning them; to pity and relieve them according to our power, or to take measures to provide for their relief. The Lord will deliver him The poor afflicted man. Though his enemies conclude his case to be desperate, Psalms 41:8, God will confute them and deliver him. Or, rather, the considerer of the poor, the person that visits and relieves him. And so it is a promise of recompense. The wise and merciful man shall find mercy.