The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God.
Ver. 2. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men] As opposed to the children of God, so some take it, as Genesis 4:26; Genesis 6:2. As a judge he looketh down, he vieweth, he taketh cognizance, ere he proceedeth to sentence. Thus he dealt with the old world, with Sodom, with Egypt, &c., to teach us not to be too hasty. No more haste than good speed, saith one. The celestial spheres, the higher they are in situation the slower in their proper motion; and the supreme judge of all useth much forbearance.
And that did understand and seek God] These only are they whom God looketh after; not the rich, but the righteous. And because knowledge is the ground of all goodness, as folly is of wickedness, Psalms 14:1, therefore is it here said, "any that did understand and seek God." Lo, these are these precious ones whom God regarded; such as are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, Romans 15:14. "The Father seeketh such to worship him," John 4:23 .