“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:7, 8)
So what is being talked about here? The Lord’s laws, testimonies, precepts and commandments. In other words, the scriptures of the Bible.
What is being said about God’s word? It is perfect (blameless), sure, right and pure.
What else do we learn about the scriptures? What else do they do? They restore the soul, make the simple wise, cause the heart to rejoice and enlighten the eyes.
Restoration, wisdom, rejoicing and enlightening! I could use a lot of all of the above, couldn’t you? And where is all of this found—in the Bible!
We already know that, sure, but we need to be reminded.
Sometimes we are so eager for one or even all of these things that we search for them in "quick fixes" from others. We go to a friend to have our soul restored. We seek out the wise who are known in their field of study (psychology, child training, etc.). We look to entertainment and the things around us to give us happy hearts. We depend on the biblical study of the pastor to enlighten us on the things of God.
Now I'm not saying that to do so is wrong. What I know from experience, however, is that we can seek out others only and let that counsel alone feed us instead of seeking out what God has to say on a matter. God "has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him..." 2 Peter 1:3. And as wonderful as your pastor may be at revealing the scriptures, God desires to guide you personally through a one on one relationship in study and reflection.
When we ourselves get into the word of God, we let God get into us!
“The fear of the Lord is clean (pure), enduring forever.” (verse 9a)
What is pure? Having a fear of the Lord. The following words are all used to describe this particular usage of the word fear in the Old Testament: awesome, extremely, fear, fearing, reverence. So what endures forever? The purity of fearing and reverencing the awesomeness of our Lord. Some mistakenly always replace the word fear when used in the OT with the word reverence.
His awesomeness should be reverenced, yes!—but it should be feared as well!
“The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (verses 9b-11)
What is altogether righteous? The judgments of the Lord. Why are they virtuous? Because they are true. God’s judgments are more desirable than gold? Why? God’s judgments which are given in His law, testimony, precepts and commandments are perfect, sure, right and pure. Because this is true the follower, in following the warnings given throughout the scriptures, is rewarded greatly.
How?
“Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me; then I shall be blameless (complete), and I shall be acquitted of great transgression.” (verses 12, 13)
The Christ follower is able to discern his errors and be acquitted of hidden faults. The servant is kept from sins so that they cannot rule over him.
What then happens? What is the result? The servant shall be blameless (complete). What else? The servant shall be declared innocent of great trespasses or sins.
The Bible is perfect and pure. It satisfies my every need. The Bible is the book for our hearts.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” (verse 14)
Amen!
~Check here for more information on systematically studying the book of Psalms~
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