What does Psalm 52:9 mean?

David has expressed condemnation of an evil man (Psalm 52:1–4) and his expectation that God will bring divine judgment (Psalm 52:5–7). At the time David wrote these words, the evil person's sin (1 Samuel 22:17–19) had not yet been avenged. Yet the psalm speaks with confidence, as if these things have already been done. David expresses his intention to "wait for" God, meaning a contented choice to patiently anticipate God's goodness coming to pass. The proper response to the Lord's will is praise and appreciation. As a musician and psalm writer, David often praised God "in the presence" of others who honored the Lord.

Believers have many reasons to be thankful. God keeps them secure throughout all their days, even when circumstances are dangerous and unhappy (John 10:28; Ephesians 1:13–14; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5). First Thessalonians 5:18 exhorts believers to "give thanks in all circumstances" and states that this is the will of God for them. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul urged his readers to refrain from speaking offensively. He writes, "but instead let there be thanksgiving" (Ephesians 5:4).