2020 Feb 10-Feb 11 Proverbs 5, Psalm 119 Review 3
Joshua M. Campbell-Elanemy • February 10, 2020
2020 Feb 10-Feb 11 Proverbs 5, Psalm 119 Review 3
Welcome, wishing you a wonderful day! Let's continue in Proverbs 5, verses 18-20, then review Psalm 119 stanzas 9 through 11! In the next blog post, how about we go ahead and review all of stanzas 1-11, Review 4, before turning to a preview of stanza 12-15 later?
"18 May your own fountain be blessed, And may
you rejoice with the wife of your youth, 19 A loving doe, a graceful
mountain goat. Let her breasts satisfy you at all times. May you be
captivated by her love constantly. 20 So why, my son, should you be
captivated by a wayward woman Or embrace the bosom of an immoral woman?"
The
context of these verses involves helping a young man disregard the
"lips of a wayward woman" which may "drip like a honeycomb," but "in the
end she is as bitter as wormwood and as sharp as a two-edged sword."
(Verses 3,4). Rather, let's treasure the gift of marriage, one's dear
wife being cherished by him along with her expressions of love and
affection.
Prove 5:18-20 Jehovah instituted marriage for the
happiness and benefit of mankind! Patience and self-control are vital
for both unmarried and married persons. Loyalty to God and one's
marriage partner should be safeguarded, with expressions of sexual
endearment reserved for this one alone, with whom vows have been
exchanged to care for one another through thick and thin, in good times
and bad. Of course, any misuse of sex is abusing the gift of God,
violating the sanctity of marriage. Trust God and wait! One abusing this
gift is practicing disloyalty toward others, seeding impurity and
distrust, and violating true love--putting at risk the everlasting
happiness of himself and others. God is allowing marriage to be a gift
mankind can enjoy for all eternity--would we want to turn our back on
this blessing???
One not yet married should work on preparing heart and mind for this privilege, acquiring useful skills for contributing to a happy union and family with one that God can help him or her find in agreement with their heart's desire. Should romantic expressions come to an end a few months after the marriage begins? By no means! The man is to love her as his "own body", and be "captivated by her love constantly!" The wisdom and love of God as taught in His word helps both husband and wife to respect, cherish, and love one another as they should--let spiritual things be appreciated by both the man and woman, with the man taking the lead to ensure caring for various needs of his family--not just material needs. Of course, the wife can also have a share in instructing any children, along with her other responsibilities. (Prove 31:10-31). Both husband and wife should be freely able to express affection for one another when together and where appropriate. Therefore there is no need for a man to look anywhere else for such satisfaction--God made us to be happiest loving our marriage partner while obeying God together faithfully. If married, may we faithfully disregard the actions or "lips of a wayward woman" that threaten the sanctity of our marriage! If unmarried, prepare yourself for this gift God's way, maintaining purity of heart and mind, saving your expressions of love and endearment for the one God will help you find if you loyally turn to Him for such guidance!
_______PSALM 119 REVIEW 3 STANZAS 9-11
The theme for stanza 9 is this, along with selected verse commentary:
GOD’S DISCIPLINE IS GOOD FOR US, HELPING US TREASURE HIS PRICELESS LAW.
Verse 67: Before I was afflicted, I used to go astray, But now I keep your saying.
SPARED HEARTACHE. Psalm 119:67 God may have allowed the psalmist to face difficulties so that he might learn obedience, as did Christ, through “the things he suffered.” (Hebre 5:8). Adherence to God’s law spares us much heartache and trouble from the consequences of wrongdoing. The psalmist here learned the lesson, and came to appreciate the value of God’s loving guidance and correction.
SPARED HEARTACHE. Psalm 119:67 God may have allowed the psalmist to face difficulties so that he might learn obedience, as did Christ, through “the things he suffered.” (Hebre 5:8). Adherence to God’s law spares us much heartache and trouble from the consequences of wrongdoing. The psalmist here learned the lesson, and came to appreciate the value of God’s loving guidance and correction.
Verse 68: You are good and your works are good. Teach me your [instructions].
EVIDENCE OF GOD'S LOVE. Psalm 119:68 Thus, Jehovah’s works are in harmony with His personality—they are a manifestation of His great love, wisdom, power, and sense of justice. His primary quality, according to His word, is love. While God HAS the other qualities, it is only love that He IS. (1John 4:8,16). Therefore, we can expect His works, past, present, and future to primarily manifest this quality. Can we not see this in God’s works of creation? The way humans have been made ‘in God’s image,’ to be able to think, reason, draw conclusions, work with our hands, move with our feet, laugh, and enjoy living—can we not appreciate our Great Designer? How much work would teams of scientists and engineers have to do to design and create a robot that could do all the things humans are capable of doing? Could it really just come about by chance? What about all that went into the animal creation, with the delightful experiences of watching kittens or puppies at play, seeing squirrels or other acrobatic creatures amaze us with their feats of skill, witnessing a bird’s talented flight or listening to birdsong? What about the sights and aromas of beautiful flowers or blossoming trees in springtime? Then being able to share such times with friends and loved ones, delighting in conversation over meals and other enjoyable activities—can our appreciation and love for God not continue to grow as we contemplate His innumerable kindnesses manifested toward the human family? Yes, Jehovah is good and His works are good! Like the psalmist, may we thus be moved to willingly learn from God even His detailed guidance for us, that we may know how to live and support the doing of His will and good purpose.
EVIDENCE OF GOD'S LOVE. Psalm 119:68 Thus, Jehovah’s works are in harmony with His personality—they are a manifestation of His great love, wisdom, power, and sense of justice. His primary quality, according to His word, is love. While God HAS the other qualities, it is only love that He IS. (1John 4:8,16). Therefore, we can expect His works, past, present, and future to primarily manifest this quality. Can we not see this in God’s works of creation? The way humans have been made ‘in God’s image,’ to be able to think, reason, draw conclusions, work with our hands, move with our feet, laugh, and enjoy living—can we not appreciate our Great Designer? How much work would teams of scientists and engineers have to do to design and create a robot that could do all the things humans are capable of doing? Could it really just come about by chance? What about all that went into the animal creation, with the delightful experiences of watching kittens or puppies at play, seeing squirrels or other acrobatic creatures amaze us with their feats of skill, witnessing a bird’s talented flight or listening to birdsong? What about the sights and aromas of beautiful flowers or blossoming trees in springtime? Then being able to share such times with friends and loved ones, delighting in conversation over meals and other enjoyable activities—can our appreciation and love for God not continue to grow as we contemplate His innumerable kindnesses manifested toward the human family? Yes, Jehovah is good and His works are good! Like the psalmist, may we thus be moved to willingly learn from God even His detailed guidance for us, that we may know how to live and support the doing of His will and good purpose.
Verse 71: It is good that I have been afflicted, So that I may learn your [instructions].
GOD'S LAW A PROTECTION. Psalm 119:71 Similar to verse 67, the psalmist looks back on times of difficulty, as disciplining him toward godly obedience. He came to recognize God’s law as a protection from the stain and pain of wrong conduct. He learned God’s regulations, or detailed guidance, that he might keep it, finding and maintaining God’s approval, favor, and blessing. Happily, Jehovah can forgive past error, even making such mistakes “white like snow.” (Isaiah 1:18). Still, there can be consequences that ones have to live with for serious transgressions, just as David suffered many family troubles for his sins. How much better to appreciate God’s goodness, accepting His loving correction to begin with, choosing to live in accord with His standards!
GOD'S LAW A PROTECTION. Psalm 119:71 Similar to verse 67, the psalmist looks back on times of difficulty, as disciplining him toward godly obedience. He came to recognize God’s law as a protection from the stain and pain of wrong conduct. He learned God’s regulations, or detailed guidance, that he might keep it, finding and maintaining God’s approval, favor, and blessing. Happily, Jehovah can forgive past error, even making such mistakes “white like snow.” (Isaiah 1:18). Still, there can be consequences that ones have to live with for serious transgressions, just as David suffered many family troubles for his sins. How much better to appreciate God’s goodness, accepting His loving correction to begin with, choosing to live in accord with His standards!
Verse 72: The law that you have proclaimed is good for me, More so than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
GOD'S LAW PRICELESS, LIFE-SUSTAINING. Psalm 119:72 Here the stanza is summed up with an evaluation of God’s law—truly priceless! The psalmist has shown over several stanzas the benefits of keeping it whole-heartedly—remaining in a close relationship with God, and usually being respected by most God-fearing persons. He recognized God’s law as good, not just for others, but for him personally, moving him to value it more than money. Ecclesiastes 7:12 says “The advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.” Money, while necessary, cannot buy eternal life or true happiness, as God’s word clarifies. Therefore may we come to see what is of greatest value in life, and refuse to let others convince us otherwise!
GOD'S LAW PRICELESS, LIFE-SUSTAINING. Psalm 119:72 Here the stanza is summed up with an evaluation of God’s law—truly priceless! The psalmist has shown over several stanzas the benefits of keeping it whole-heartedly—remaining in a close relationship with God, and usually being respected by most God-fearing persons. He recognized God’s law as good, not just for others, but for him personally, moving him to value it more than money. Ecclesiastes 7:12 says “The advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.” Money, while necessary, cannot buy eternal life or true happiness, as God’s word clarifies. Therefore may we come to see what is of greatest value in life, and refuse to let others convince us otherwise!
The theme for all of stanza 10 is:
SUBMISSION TO GOD’S DISCIPLINE PLACES US IN HIS HANDS TO EXPERIENCE HIS FAITHFULNESS
SUBMISSION TO GOD’S DISCIPLINE PLACES US IN HIS HANDS TO EXPERIENCE HIS FAITHFULNESS
Verse 75: I know, O Jehovah, that your judgments are righteous And that you have afflicted me in your faithfulness.
GOD'S PERMISSION OF DIFFICULTIES. Psalm 119:75 The psalmist was a likely king or future king, and thus perhaps came under more of God’s discipline than most, needing refinement to carry out the will of God fully. Likewise, those receiving sonship to rule with Christ likewise need God’s loving correction to guide them in receiving their privileged reward from God. Anointed Hebrew Christians at one time were evidently focusing too much on any problems, as Paul sought to correct their view, stating at Hebrews 12:5-6: “5 And you have entirely forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah, nor give up when you are corrected by him; 6 for those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.” The psalmist thus felt he was experiencing difficulties that God at least permitted, yet he saw God’s faithfulness in His dealings with him. He knew God’s judgments were righteous, and he could endure in faithfulness, learning from his experiences to observe God’s law fully.
GOD'S PERMISSION OF DIFFICULTIES. Psalm 119:75 The psalmist was a likely king or future king, and thus perhaps came under more of God’s discipline than most, needing refinement to carry out the will of God fully. Likewise, those receiving sonship to rule with Christ likewise need God’s loving correction to guide them in receiving their privileged reward from God. Anointed Hebrew Christians at one time were evidently focusing too much on any problems, as Paul sought to correct their view, stating at Hebrews 12:5-6: “5 And you have entirely forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not belittle the discipline from Jehovah, nor give up when you are corrected by him; 6 for those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.” The psalmist thus felt he was experiencing difficulties that God at least permitted, yet he saw God’s faithfulness in His dealings with him. He knew God’s judgments were righteous, and he could endure in faithfulness, learning from his experiences to observe God’s law fully.
Verse 77: Show me mercy, so that I may keep living, For I am fond of your law.
CHOOSE LIFE AND GOOD.
Psalm 119:77 The psalmist no doubt recognized human imperfection,
and the need for God's mercy in the maintaining of our relationship with
Him. He sought this mercy on the basis of his genuine fondness for God
and His law. He knew it means life to be pleasing God--for Christians,
eternal life is dependent upon it, and being alive spiritually depends
likewise on our friendship with God and His son. Such thoughts may
remind one of Moses' exhortation to Israel, as regards their keeping of
the Mosaic Law, at Deuteronomy 30:15-16: "“See, I do put before you
today life and good, and death and bad.16 If you listen to the
commandments of Jehovah your God that I am commanding you today, by
loving Jehovah your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his
commandments and his statutes and his judicial decisions, then you will
live and multiply, and Jehovah your God will bless you in the land you
are going to possess." For Christians, God's approval and righteous
standing comes by deep trust, or faith, in God and his mercy through the
ransom provision of Christ, as we likewise seek obedience to Him and His
son.
Verse 80: May my heart be blameless in following your [instructions], So that I may not be put to shame."
"REMAIN STEADFAST"
Psalm 119:80 The psalmist requests a heart of integrity, able to follow even
the detailed guidance from God. Such obedience contributes greatly to
our happiness, as the very first verse of Psalm 119 bears out: "Happy
are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of
Jehovah." Regarding the following of God's instructions, verses 5-6 say:
"If only I could remain steadfast So as to observe your [instructions]! 6
Then I would not be put to shame When I consider all your commandments."
As we continue seeking divine obedience, we can be happy to find
ourselves in compliance with God's standards more and more, having no
reason for shame. We still, though, will need faith in the ransom for
occasional unintentional mistakes. As David wrote, in Psalm 19, verses
12-13: "Who can discern mistakes? Pronounce me innocent from sins I am
unaware of. 13 And hold your servant back from presumptuous acts; Do not
let them dominate me. Then I will be complete, And innocent of blatant
sins." Thus may we lovingly aim for similar divine obedience, with faith
in God's merciful provision of Christ's ransom, and with hope in the
priceless reward God extends by His love
The theme for stanza 11 is:
GOD'S RELIABLE ORDERS HELP PRESERVE US THROUGH PERIODS OF PERSECUTION.
Verse 81: I long for your salvation, For your word is my hope.
ENDURE WITH HOPE OF SALVATION.
Psalm 119:81 At Matthew 5:10 Jesus said: "“Happy are those who have been
persecuted for righteousness’ sake, since the Kingdom of the heavens
belongs to them." Proverbs 17:26 says: "To punish the righteous one is
not good, And to flog honorable people goes against what is right."
Being persecuted, or harassed with harmful desire, for one's keeping
integrity to God, faithfully following His orders, is highly displeasing
to the Greatest Authority, Jehovah God. He says, regarding His true
servants, "Whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye." (Zecha
2:8). Yet normally we should humbly endure wrongs without seeking vengeance,
respecting the admonition from God, at Romans 12:19, "Do not avenge
yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written:
“‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” Jehovah can see the
motives of all, and judge most appropriately according to each person,
in due time. Still, we should endure with hope of salvation, trusting in
God's word of wisdom and promise. The loving way we cope may in time
cause onlookers to turn to the God of love and hope, Jehovah.
Regardless, Jehovah knows what is best for all, and He can "make the way
out in order for you to be able to endure it." (1Cori 10:13). Isaiah
25:8 promises: "He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord
Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his
people he will take away from all the earth, For Jehovah himself has
spoken it." Let's look forward to such a blessing for all who may become
Christian servants of God!
Verse 84: How many days must your servant wait? When will you bring judgment against those persecuting me?"
JEHOVAH KNOWS HOW TO RESCUE.
Psalm 119:84 Notice the faith of the psalmist in God's judgment, will, and
power to act in his behalf. IT was not IF he could bring judgment, but
WHEN He would do so. May this move wrongdoers to turn around from their
evil works before God's judgment arrives, coming to know God's love,
that they may receive of God's abundant mercy, and have hope of
spiritual and eternal life. May this move all of us to continue to hope
in God, drawing closer to Him, and seek to live by His standards, in
harmony with 2Peter 2:9-10, stating: "So, then, Jehovah knows how to
rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous
people to be destroyed on the day of judgment, 10 especially those who
seek to defile the flesh of others and who despise authority." Such
latter ones need urgently to turn from wrongdoing and seek God's face,
pleading for His help to change their thinking, habits, and ways. This
can be done, but not in one's own strength. Regarding even with Jesus'
apostles gaining salvation, Jesus said to them "intently," at Matthew
19:26: "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are
possible." The same powerful holy spirit God used to create the
universe, can be of assistance to help weaker ones acquire "power beyond
what is normal" to make necessary changes to please God more fully.
(2Cori 4:7). May we pray for God's holy spirit, which He gives to "those
asking Him" and to those "obeying Him as ruler." (Luke 11:13; Acts
5:32).
Verse 86: All your commandments are trustworthy. Men persecute me without cause; help me!
VALUING GOD'S COMMANDS.
Psalm 119:86 God's commandments truly are for our lasting benefit. To persecute
someone for obeying the commandments of our true loving God, Jehovah,
reveals a lack of appreciation for what is truly right and good for
mankind. Yet, God's word warns us of such an influence, saying, at
2Timothy 3:12: "12 In fact, all those desiring to live with godly
devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." Like
the psalmist, some may even be persecuted "without cause"--just for
existing! He looks in the right direction, however, pleading to God:
"Help me!" May we continue to appreciate God's trustworthy commandments
while looking to Him for assistance!
Verse 87: They almost exterminated me from the earth, But I did not abandon your orders.
LOVING GOD'S ORDERS.
Psalm 119:87 By concentrating on God's most serious and urgent commands, we may
be protected from possible spiritual harm. The psalmist was even
guarded from extermination. Let us prayerfully rely on Jehovah during
such times, knowing of faithful men throughout history who faced similar
trials (Hebrews 11).
May we thus come to appreciate God's discipline and it's many
benefits, placing ourselves in His hands of faithfulness by looking to
Him and His word and law to guide and protect us spiritually through
good times and periods of difficulty.
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
2026 07A/12 (Jlo) FLS START Blogpost 1 (1-3) Shorthand: ETH10A2: Update v.14, (7) PR-C(18.4), Update, (4A) Ps119 Review S05-07, Update, (PA3) More Orderly Time. / 05P2: Updates, New blogpost, (3) PR-A(02.5), (7) PR-B(11.1), notes. /
2026 07B/12 (Jlo) FLS Blogpost 2 (4-6) Shorthand: ETH07A2: Update, (4A) Ps119 Review S05-07. / 12P2: New blogpost, Update. /
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