Let the righteous smite me; [it shall be] a kindness: and let him reprove me; [it shall be] an excellent oil, [which] shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also [shall be] in their calamities.
Ver. 5. Let the righteous smite me, &c.] In case I do offend in word or deed, let me never want a faithful reprover, who may smite me as with a hammer (so the word signifieth), reprove me sharply, Pro 23:35 Zechariah 13:5 Titus 1:13, cuttingly, as the apostle's word importeth, yet mildly and lovingly, Galatians 6:1 Proverbs 9:8; Proverbs 19:25; Proverbs 25:12, with soft words, but hard arguments, αποτομως .
It shall be a kindness] David thought the better of Nathan for so roundly reproving him, 2 Samuel 12:7,12, and made him of his counsel, 1Ki 1:32 Peter thought the better of Paul for dealing so plainly with him at Antioch, Galatians 2:11,16, and maketh honourable mention of him, and his writings, 2Pe 3:15-16 It is said of Gerson, that great chancellor of Paris, that nulla re alia tantopere laetaretur, quam si ab aliquo fraterne et charitative redargueretur, he rejoiced in nothing so much as in a friendly reprehension; great pity it was that none bestowed a chiding on him for being so active against John Huss and Jerome of Prague, at the council of Constance (Mr Clark's Martyrology). Of Queen Anne Bullen it is reported, that she was not only willing to be admonished, but required her chaplains freely and plainly to tell her of whatsoever was amiss. Her daughter, Queen Elizabeth, was well pleased with Mr Deering's plain dealing, who told her in a sermon that once she was tanqnam ovis, but now tanquam indomita iuvenca, as an untamed heifer; and speaking of the disorder of the times, These things are so, said he, and you sit still and do nothing, &c.
It shall be an excellent oil] Heb. a head oil, such as they poured on their friends' heads; and that was of the best.
Which shall not break my head] My heart it may. Or, let him not make it fail my head, let him not cease to do me this good office daily; I shall count it a courtesy, and requite it with my best prayers for him, in his greatest necessity.
For yet my prayer also shall be in their calamity] I will not curse them for their good counsel, rail at them for reproving me, or insult over them in misery as justly met withal; but pray for them, and prize them as my best friends.