[424 words]
“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. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; 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 Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11).
“The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” The revelation that makes known the existence of God’s will and our duty is “the testimony of the LORD.” As such, His revelation is “sure” or reliable, bringing wisdom and understanding to “the simple,” to those who are uneducated and ignorant but teachable and open to God’s truth.
Further, “the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart.” These divine obligations are for us to fulfill; they are not arbitrary burdens placed upon us by a tyrannical God. They were formed because of His love for us, and they speak to the deep aspirations of our hearts. Obedience to them results in a clean conscience, a peaceful inner self, a purpose in living, and a happy, contrite spirit.
“The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Because of its binding nature, His Word has the character of directives. These commandments are “pure,” that is, without any pollution from falsehood or inaccuracy. They bring knowledge and understanding to the one who reads and follows them. The entrance of His Word into the heart dispels impurity from the life and darkness from the mind.
“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever.” His Word implants respect in the minds of those who receive it. Consequently, “the fear of the LORD” is used as a synonym for the “law of the LORD,” for His law creates and engenders this attitude in us. This “fear” is wholesome reverence and moral respect.
“The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.” God’s Word contains His decisions, His ordinances, and His decrees; thus they are His “judgments.” Coming from the righteous God who is the Judge of all the earth, His edicts can be trusted to be “true” and thoroughly “righteous.”
Key Thought: Who needs wisdom, inner peace, and purity? We all do! These are within our reach in the sacred volume we call The Bible.
Eddie Cloer
via Ashdown church of Christ
Asbdown, AR