Hello and welcome! Let's continue in Psalm 119 Stanza 6B-7B, Proverbs 3, and reflect further on what may be considered the greatest Sermon in history.
PSALM 119 STANZA 6B
Recall our theme for stanza 6: LOYAL DEVOTION TO GOD REFINES OUR INTEGRITY AND STRENGTHENS OUR HOPE.
Verse 41, for instance expressed desire to experience God's loyal love, and salvation by Him. He knew this meant, as in verse 44, keeping God's law "constantly, forever and ever." Now the psalmist expresses contentment with doing so:
Verses 45-48 read this way: "And I will walk about in a place of safety, For I search for your orders. 46 I will speak about your reminders in front of kings, And I will not be ashamed. 47 I am fond of your commandments, Yes, I love them. 48 I will raise my hands to your commandments, which I love, And I will ponder over your regulations."
Verse 45 And I will walk about in a place of safety, For I search for your orders.
SEARCHING.
Psalm 119:45 We may thus dwell in a figurative place of spiritual security, as we stay close to Jehovah, like the psalmist, searching for God's orders. He wanted to know everything God commanded him, so that he would not fail to be obedient. He continues "to search" for God's orders, as often revealed in His word. May we likewise be searching for God's guidance and instruction, especially the most serious, important, and urgent commands, seeking to understand the reasons for them, that we may comply with God's vital direction. May we delight in God's orders, which "cause the heart to rejoice," and His reminders, that we may not forget what's required of Him. Understandably, he next mentions these "reminders."
Verse 46 I will speak about your reminders in front of kings, And I will not be ashamed.
NOT ASHAMED OF THE TRUTH.
Psalm 119:46 It may take more study and reflection on the value of God's word to ourselves and others, but we too can come to happily share such divine knowledge with others, not being ashamed to do so. Remember, it may mean someone's eternal life to "speak up." Even if they do not appreciate our effort to do so then, it doesn't mean they won't remember it later in life, perhaps before it's too late. Something may happen later to change their mind, and how they feel about it. By setting the right example for them now, we show them as soon as possible the right way for them to go, the way to eternal happiness! (Psalm 27:14; 146:5).
Verse 47 I am fond of your commandments, Yes, I love them.
GIVEN OUT OF GREAT LOVE.
Psalm 119:47 What a lovely simple expression of appreciation for God's law! Jehovah has given His commandments out of His great love for us, to do what is in our best interests, what leads to our greatest happiness! Isaiah 48:17-18 says, for instance, "This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. 18 If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea." By thus "paying attention" to God's commandments, we can, like the psalmist, come to love them and keep them, with integrity, and with strengthened hope of salvation by God!
Verse 48 I will raise my hands to your commandments, which I love, And I will ponder over your [instructions].
PONDER GOD'S GUIDANCE.
Psalm 119:48 The psalmist may have reference to prayer, in raising his hands to God's commandments. May we prayerfully reflect on God's law, seeking heartfelt obedience to God. He willingly chose to ponder God's regulations, or detailed instructions and procedures, so that he could keep them diligently and entirely. It takes development spiritually before one can grasp more detailed instruction, even from God. May we grow in especially the quality of understanding, seeing where things fit in to to the big picture of God's overall purpose and the value of God's word in all of it's guidance in life. Examine your life and see where a particular principle, truth, or law of God has value. Then we may appreciate God's instructions more fully.
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PSALM 119 STANZA 6A
Our theme for stanza 6 is this: LOYAL DEVOTION TO GOD REFINES OUR INTEGRITY AND STRENGTHENS OUR HOPE.
The first 4 verses read this way: "41 May I experience your loyal love, O Jehovah,Your salvation in harmony with your promise; 42 Then I will reply to the one taunting me, For I put my trust in your word. 43 Do not utterly remove the word of truth from my mouth, For I have hoped in your judgment. 44 I will keep your law constantly, Forever and ever."
Verse 41 May I experience your loyal love, O Jehovah, Your salvation in harmony with your promise.
"BECAUSE HE HAS AFFECTION FOR ME."
Psalm 119:41 The psalmist thus shows that God's love for us would certainly move Him to bring us salvation through His judgment, in harmony with many such promises in His word. Psalm 91, evidently written by Moses, says this in verses 14-16: "God said: “Because he has affection for me, I will rescue him. I will protect him because he knows my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in distress. I will rescue him and glorify him. 16 I will satisfy him with long life, And I will cause him to see my acts of salvation.” All this because of our affectionate love for Jehovah, shown by our loyal obedience to Him (1John 5:3). Such an attachment to God personally, a close relationship with Him, moves Jehovah to respond loyally in return. "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you..." says James 4:8. Accordingly, our hope of salvation is thereby strengthened.
Verse 42 Then I will reply to the one taunting me, For I put my trust in your word.
A REPLY TO ONE TAUNTING.
Psalm 119:42 God appeals, at Proverbs 27:11, "Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me." Of course, in God's case, it has primarily been His opposer Satan who has taunted God for milleniums, from the time of his rebellion in the Garden of Eden, or Park of Pleasure, designed and created by Jehovah God. Satan taunted that he could turn Job away from his integrity to God, but in spite of all Satan did to hurt Job, he was faithful, and was doubly rewarded by Jehovah. (Job 42). Our loyal integrity to God makes His heart glad, giving Him a reply to Satan, and likewise, any who may taunt God's servants may as well see God's loving use of His power to protect and save them, allowing them to make a similar reply. May we continue to build deep trust, or faith, in God's inspired word, and in God Himself, becoming reliant upon Him. (Prove 3:5-8).
Verse 43 Do not utterly remove the word of truth from my mouth, For I have hoped in your judgment.
HONESTY ESSENTIAL TO INTEGRITY.
Psalm 119:43 Genuine integrity to God involves honesty, speaking and acting in accord with the truth. As we put faith, or deep trust, in God's judgment, we are moved to trust the course of integrity. Integrity essentially means "wholeness or completeness without corruption." In Psalm 15, the course of integrity is essentially outlined, and includes "speaking the truth in [one's] heart." Removing the "word of truth" would result in a mouth of deception and trickery, and a loss of genuine integrity. May we trust Jehovah God's power to support His honest servants, who nevertheless know there is a "time to be silent" as well as a "time to speak."
Verse 44 I will keep your law constantly, Forever and ever.
WRITING GOD'S LAW ON OUR HEART.
Psalm 119:44 Acquiring such integrity brings genuine joy of heart, being close to God, along with other devoted ones, moving us to want to experience such happiness "forever and ever," by keeping God's law "constantly." By thus making God's law OUR law, writing God's law on our heart, we are always able to live in a way that pleases God! May we find such delight as did the psalmist, and "get a firm hold on the real life," the everlasting life promised by our Creator, Jehovah, "to those who continue loving Him." (1Timo 6:19; James 1:12).
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PSALM 119 STANZA 6B
Recall our theme for stanza 6: LOYAL DEVOTION TO GOD REFINES OUR INTEGRITY AND STRENGTHENS OUR HOPE.
Verse 41, for instance expressed desire to experience God's loyal love, and salvation by Him. He knew this meant, as in verse 44, keeping God's law "constantly, forever and ever." Now the psalmist expresses contentment with doing so:
Verses 45-48 read this way: "And I will walk about in a place of safety, For I search for your orders. 46 I will speak about your reminders in front of kings, And I will not be ashamed. 47 I am fond of your commandments, Yes, I love them. 48 I will raise my hands to your commandments, which I love, And I will ponder over your regulations."
Verse 45 And I will walk about in a place of safety, For I search for your orders.
SEARCHING.
Psalm 119:45 We may thus dwell in a figurative place of spiritual security, as we stay close to Jehovah, like the psalmist, searching for God's orders. He wanted to know everything God commanded him, so that he would not fail to be obedient. He continues "to search" for God's orders, as often revealed in His word. May we likewise be searching for God's guidance and instruction, especially the most serious, important, and urgent commands, seeking to understand the reasons for them, that we may comply with God's vital direction. May we delight in God's orders, which "cause the heart to rejoice," and His reminders, that we may not forget what's required of Him. Understandably, he next mentions these "reminders."
Verse 46 I will speak about your reminders in front of kings, And I will not be ashamed.
NOT ASHAMED OF THE TRUTH.
Psalm 119:46 It may take more study and reflection on the value of God's word to ourselves and others, but we too can come to happily share such divine knowledge with others, not being ashamed to do so. Remember, it may mean someone's eternal life to "speak up." Even if they do not appreciate our effort to do so then, it doesn't mean they won't remember it later in life, perhaps before it's too late. Something may happen later to change their mind, and how they feel about it. By setting the right example for them now, we show them as soon as possible the right way for them to go, the way to eternal happiness! (Psalm 27:14; 146:5).
Verse 47 I am fond of your commandments, Yes, I love them.
GIVEN OUT OF GREAT LOVE.
Psalm 119:47 What a lovely simple expression of appreciation for God's law! Jehovah has given His commandments out of His great love for us, to do what is in our best interests, what leads to our greatest happiness! Isaiah 48:17-18 says, for instance, "This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. 18 If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea." By thus "paying attention" to God's commandments, we can, like the psalmist, come to love them and keep them, with integrity, and with strengthened hope of salvation by God!
Verse 48 I will raise my hands to your commandments, which I love, And I will ponder over your [instructions].
PONDER GOD'S GUIDANCE.
Psalm 119:48 The psalmist may have reference to prayer, in raising his hands to God's commandments. May we prayerfully reflect on God's law, seeking heartfelt obedience to God. He willingly chose to ponder God's regulations, or detailed instructions and procedures, so that he could keep them diligently and entirely. It takes development spiritually before one can grasp more detailed instruction, even from God. May we grow in especially the quality of understanding, seeing where things fit in to to the big picture of God's overall purpose and the value of God's word in all of it's guidance in life. Examine your life and see where a particular principle, truth, or law of God has value. Then we may appreciate God's instructions more fully.
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Proverbs 3:19-26:
"19 Jehovah founded the earth in wisdom. He solidly established the heavens in discernment. 20 By his knowledge the watery deeps were split apart And the cloudy skies dripped with dew. 21 My son, do not lose sight of them. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability; 22 They will give you life And be an adornment for your neck; 23 Then you will walk on your way in safety, And your foot will never stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will have no fear; You will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. 25 You will not fear any sudden terror Nor the storm that is coming on the wicked. 26 For Jehovah will prove to be your source of confidence; He will keep your foot from being caught."
"19 Jehovah founded the earth in wisdom. He solidly established the heavens in discernment. 20 By his knowledge the watery deeps were split apart And the cloudy skies dripped with dew."
Prove 3:19-20 Just ponder the wisdom with which Jehovah God made not only this earth and all that is within and on it, but also our sun, the other stars in this galaxy and countless others in this universe, and any other planets, which are being found surrounding other stars in habitable zones, or distance ranges allowing for continued life. Can we not appreciate God's willingness to share divine wisdom with mere humans? (James 1:5-6). Not only does God know how to create and sustain life among humans, but of much more importance to Him is knowing how to help all to have a close relationship with Him and with other humans--to help us find joy knowing God and in living peaceably with others. God's ability to discern truth from false, good from bad, more important matters from lesser ones, among other things, assisted Him in His creative work and understanding in the way He made us, making it possible for us to delight in His good gifts in life (James 1:16-17).
"21My son, do not lose sight of them. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability;"
Prove 3:21 We are to safeguard these qualities, letting no one or thing interfere with our developing and maintaining full use of them. Practical wisdom is skillful use of knowledge, putting it to good use, or using it to accomplish good things, truly benefitting others and oneself, hating all badness in the genuine fear of God. Ability to think through a matter, to see various ways to approach a situation, and to come up with the most helpful way to handle it, also is a quality worthy of protection. May we thus treasure divine wisdom and thinking ability, in modest imitation of our God and Creator, with humble appreciation for, and submission to, Him, in awe fearing to displease or hurt Him in any way.
"22 They will give you life And be an adornment for your neck;"
Prove 3:22 We will thus be on the road to eternal life, and the words coming through our throat can be lovely before others, rooted in love and appreciation for our God, who is the Source of, and sets the example in, true love, "the flame of Jah." (Canti 8:6).
"23 Then you will walk on your way in safety, And your foot will never stumble."
Prove 3:23 God's wisdom as mentioned previously, includes also foresighted shrewdness, or prudence, enabling us to look ahead at the consequences of our speech and actions, that we may hate what is bad, and it's resulting trouble, pain, and sorrow, and continue loving what is good, with its rewards and blessing from God. By considering God's wisdom before we act, we can thereby see to avoid many hardships and troubles, walking in safety, loving God's protective law, now through Christ. For such ones, God's word says, "Nothing can make them stumble." (Psalm 119:165).
"24 When you lie down, you will have no fear; You will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. 25 You will not fear any sudden terror Nor the storm that is coming on the wicked. 26 For Jehovah will prove to be your source of confidence; He will keep your foot from being caught."
Prove 3:24-26 Letting Jehovah be our source of confidence, rather than merely human power, oneself or our own understanding of things, maintaining our love for, and reliance on, God, will bring His blessing and approval, and true spiritual security, practically eliminating fear as our love for God and others grows. "There is no fear in love, but perfect (complete) love casts fear out, because fear restrains us. Indeed, the one who is fearful has not been made perfect in love." (1John 4:18). Such complete love, for example, deals with others impartially, without prejudice, upholding what is right toward another regardless of their economic standing, social status, race, color, etc.
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Proverbs 3:27-30:
"27 Do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it If it is within your power to help. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go away; come back later! I will give it to you tomorrow, ”If you can give it now. 29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor When he lives in a sense of security with you. 30 Do not quarrel with a man for no reason If he has done nothing bad to you."
"27 Do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it If it is within your power to help. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go away; come back later! I will give it to you tomorrow, ”If you can give it now."
Prove 3:27-28 Goodness is part of the "fruitage of the spirit" mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 which we can ask God for in prayer, in accord with Luke 11:13, Jesus saying if one knows "how to give good gifts to [his] children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking Him!" Therefore, practicing "goodness" would involved what's described in this verse 27. If we see someone in need that we discern or judge we should assist, then by all means render aid! God's word itself helps us to be "fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2Timo 3:17). And Galatians 6:10 encourages us, "as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." Thus we do place a priority on our spiritual family, which hopefully includes our family of flesh! Husbands and fathers are mandated in Scripture to provide for the needs of their families, and by all means this would include caring for their spiritual needs, loving them, offering them loving guidance as needed to grow in true wisdom and their relationships with God and others. (1Timo 5:8). At the same time, we should also appreciate the worldwide Christian brotherhood that God and Christ are making, as Jesus described at Luke 8:21, saying "My mother and my brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it." Therefore, may we help our family spiritually to find the path of life, not hold back in assisting our remaining spiritual family worldwide, and then "work what is good toward all."
"Do not plot harm against your neighbor When he lives in a sense of security with you."
Prove 3:29 True faith is going to be the foundation of God's new world--eventually all people will be true friends with each other, being able to truly trust one another! Imagine traveling the world, finding genuine friends everywhere you go! Some would have us keep the world as it is, full of suspicion, greed, selfishness and the like. How obscene to ignore God's wonderful purpose for mankind, God having the power to fix all of these problems! This verse contains an example of one really trusting another, living "in a sense of security with you." How could we violate that trust by plotting harm against him? We should be careful not to take advantage of one another's trust, always seeking the genuine benefit of each other. Those seeking to advance business interests can do so with proper motive, without coming across as merely seeking selfish gain, refusing to let competition drive them. Look to benefit others by what is available, while not putting undue pressure upon them.
"Do not quarrel with a man for no reason If he has done nothing bad to you."
Prove 3:30 Along the same lines, we should be careful to maintain a loving, appreciative spirit toward others, especially if they have done no wrong to us! The Scriptures warn us, at Ecclesiastes 7:9, "Do not be quick to take offense, for the taking of offense lodges in the bosom of fools." If we have a tendency to be easily offended by what others say, we may be quick to quarrel with them. Let's be careful: Proverbs 1:7 says "Only fools despise wisdom and discipline." Perhaps discipline has not always been administered in the loving, compassionate way that Jesus demonstrated toward his own "disciples", the word "discipline" coming from the same root word, involving correction out of love. Yet we should still try to appreciate the lessons needing to be learned from any discipline we may receive, and seek to grow in true wisdom. Try to appreciate correction offered by others to the extent possible, without much arguing with them. Sometimes, we really need it!
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Proverbs 3:31-35
“31 Do not envy the violent man Nor choose any of his ways, 32 For Jehovah detests a devious person, But His close friendship is with the upright. 33 The curse of Jehovah is on the house of the wicked one, But he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 For he mocks those who ridicule, But he shows favor to the meek. 35 The wise will inherit honor, But the stupid ones glorify dishonor.”
“31 Do not envy the violent man Nor choose any of his ways, 32 For Jehovah detests a devious person, But His close friendship is with the upright."
Prove 3:31-32 We are not to envy, or desire what the violent man has, materially or spiritually, possessions or talents. Verse 32 shows this “violent” man is also devious, so we’re not simply talking about athletes who happen to be able to take a lot of pain in their sport. The “violent man” mentioned here deviates from a right course and loves his forceful, destructive ways, usually taking no true delight in gentle mildness, a manner of life for true Christians. We are not to seek to emulate such a man, or choose any of his ways or practices. Normally Jehovah hates WHAT is bad, but in this case God’s word says Jehovah “hates anyone who loves violence”—How serious! (Psalm 11:5). Caution is in order regarding the realism of most modern movies, music and video games when it comes to
promoting
violence--what does the work in question
teach
about violence--that it should only be used for right by those with authority to do so when necessary, or that it may be used wantonly for selfish purposes? Youths are especially impressionable, and at risk for adopting violent behaviors by involving themselves with such choices of so-called entertainment. Certainly there are many finer options that can be chosen! If possible, don’t limit yourself to a few games available at a local store, unless they carry several good choices. Try to find sources that carry many enjoyable, God-approved options in all forms of entertainment, recreation, and education.
"33 The curse of Jehovah is on the house of the wicked one, But he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 For he mocks those who ridicule, But he shows favor to the meek."
Prove 3:33-34 Which would we rather experience—the curse of Jehovah, or His blessing? How happy we may be when acting wisely in harmony with godly truth and right ways, having Jehovah’s favor upon us, humbly seeking His powerful assistance in doing good. The wicked often ridicule the doing of what is good and right, trying to make it seem or appear weak, ineffective, or somehow not beneficial. How unfitting! At Isaiah 5:20 God responds: “20 Woe to those who say that good is bad and bad is good, Those who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, Those who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” May we rather treasure the truth, and help all to appreciate the good, lovely, and marvelous ways of Jehovah! If wicked ones refuse to repent of their errors, despite Jehovah’s loving appeals, their harmful ways will come back on them. Isaiah 3:11 says: “11 Woe to the wicked one! Disaster will befall him, For what his hands have done will be done to him!” May such warnings move one to turn around from bad ways and practices, in God’s mercy, and experience true happiness with God’s blessing.
"35 The wise will inherit honor, But the stupid ones glorify dishonor.”
Prove 3:35 As a result of pursuing God’s ways, seeking true wisdom and to represent Him well, honoring Jehovah by the way we speak and live, we will experience honor from Him that will continue into eternity. Ironically, the morally stupid ones, while often seeking to glorify, and give or demand honor for, themselves actually glorify dishonor, as their corrupt ways and practices are not worthy of such honor or esteem, and bring them shame or disgrace. Such ones need to acquire an understanding heart, to see the big picture as to reasons for practicing right and hating what’s bad, seeing ill consequences of badness—the troubles, turmoil, grief, pain, sadness and more caused by sin. Then perhaps such ones may begin to respond to or take to heart the loving discipline from parents and others.
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Greatest Man
(4) "Happy are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, since they will be filled."
This goes beyond being aware of our spiritual need. A person longing for righteousness now truly desires to know and live by what is right in God's eyes. Thirsting for it helps one to see the blessings of pursuing a right course in life, which prepares the soil of the heart, while hungering adds more deeply and strongly the knowledge and understanding of how to live by God's right standards or ways, truly growing righteousness in the heart. Such ones will be filled and find happiness, as they look to Jehovah for this wonderful insight from His word and means of spiritual instruction. As Revelation 7:16,17 shows, "They will hunger no more, nor thirst anymore, neither will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat, because the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them and guide them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes." Isaiah 49:10 links very similar language with God's quality of mercy, also abundantly exuding from the Lamb. When longing for God, such extended mercy motivates many to gratefully yearn to please Him, as He wipes away any tears of sorrow over past error and turmoil (Isaiah 55:7; Hebre 4:16).
(5) "Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy."
Once again we're reminded that many have not been made aware of the importance of spiritual things or the valuable insight provided by God's word the Bible. As God's word shows, Satan "has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through." (2Cori 4:4). Such ones, upon coming into an accurate knowledge of the truth, and repenting of past errors, can be shown mercy, and may thus learn how to be compassionate and merciful themselves, if they weren't already. Acquiring a merciful spirit toward others inspires mercy to be shown them, in harmony with the true love God has and teaches us to have (See Matth 18:23-35). While not condoning any wrong course, as ones learn the way of God's love in harmony with true wisdom, God is willing to show them mercy for past error in His love, moving ones out of appreciation to happily learn to trust and obey Him implicitly (Psalm 103:13; Galat 6:16; Prove 3:5,6; 1John 5:3).
(6) "Happy are the pure in heart, since they will see God."
Of course, for those selected in Jesus' day to be reigning kings in the heavens, the privilege of seeing God is understandable for them. But is it possible for humans to "see God?" In what sense? Upon understanding more deeply God's incredible power and wisdom, the patriarch Job declared "My ears have heard about you, But now I do see you with my eyes." Moving him to say afterward "That is why I take back what I said, And I repent in dust and ashes.” As you come to understand God's great love and compassion, you will likely long for purity of heart, to be clean in His eyes, holy along with His holy people heavenly and earthly, as He declares "you must be holy, because I am holy." (1Peter 1:16). Then able to appreciate and comprehend more fully God's incredible wisdom, power, justice, and love, you will thus be happily seeing God with your eyes of faith, like the faithful man Job.