2020 Jan 01-Jan 02 Proverbs 1, Psalm 119 Preliminary
J. Mark A. Campbell-Elanemy • January 1, 2020
2020 Jan 01-Jan 02 Proverbs 1, Psalm 119 Preliminary
Hello, and welcome to 2020, wishing a fine day come your way, with God's blessing! Let’s start a replay of Proverbs 1-24, for a review or the first time for many, with some new material, over the next several months, again in consecutive order. Let's also begin our reconsideration of Psalm 119 (or, Psalm 13 of Book 5). There is fresh material here, so I will not be including any Christian letter commentary. Recall the encouragement to ask God for His spirit on your examination of these things, to gain or maintain proper motive and application.
Let's begin with the essentials of wisdom, which help direct true Christian love properly. Let's not be discouraged by the big words! We read at Proverbs 1:1-6:
"1 The proverbs of Solʹo·mon, the son of David, the king of Israel: 2 To learn wisdom and discipline; To understand wise sayings; 3 To acquire the discipline that gives insight, Righteousness, good judgment, and uprightness; 4 To impart shrewdness to the inexperienced; To give a young man knowledge and thinking ability. 5 A wise person listens and takes in more instruction; A man of understanding acquires skillful direction 6 To understand a proverb and a puzzling saying, The words of the wise and their riddles."
Now, let's not be put off by the beginning of Proverbs, at the sound of this collection of attributes that you will receive as you grow in godly wisdom. Let's get to know these attributes--you could use a dictionary, or pay attention.
Prove 1:2 Wisdom itself is the successful application of true knowledge to life, benefitting others and yourself. While we may comprehend learning "wisdom," how do we "learn discipline?" Clearly, God offers instruction that corrects wrong viewpoints and molds one's thinking and conduct. Significantly, the term "discipline" comes from the same root as "disciple." Did not Jesus lovingly offer correction to his followers, typically without demeaning speech or unreasonable punishments? He kindly, patiently and loyally corrected and readjusted them. To "learn discipline" then would evidently indicate gaining a proper view of the need for such guidance and instruction from parents and others, as well as appreciation for the benefits thereby received. When needed and wherever possible, discipline should be offered with love and tenderness or consideration, seeking to promote understanding of the issue(s) involved. Proverbs 17:10 accordingly says: "A rebuke makes a deeper impression on one having understanding Than striking a stupid [foolish, disobedient] person a hundred times." When punishment is used, it clearly should be fair, given in love, and the lesson(s) made clear.
Prove 1:3 The blessings of "acquiring" such discipline, and receiving it properly, are explained here. It imparts compassionate insight or comprehension of why people act as they do, and contributes toward integrity, or God's righteousness. Such "righteousness" is adherence to God's way and standards, especially as revealed through Christ, and is the framework for a happy and successful life, benefitting persons now and into the future, everlastingly. This "adherence" is genuine, with integrity--while speaking and acting with compassion, it does not stoop to evil practices to obtain even a "good" result, but rather uses God-approved means of encouraging or exhorting others. "The treasures gained by wickedness will be of no benefit, But righteousness is what rescues from death." (Prove 10:2). This doesn't however knock acting, or pretending, such as in a play or movie, to ultimately instruct others in true righteousness.
Prove 1:4 "Shrewdness," or "prudence," is wise use of foresight, comprehending dangers or other consequences of making poor or unwise decisions, as well as the many benefits of making good, correct choices. It is a "young man (or woman)" that may thus gain divine knowledge and "thinking ability." NIV says here "for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young." Parents should thus choose wisely how and when to impart such wisdom to their younger children, in a world with increased threats to morality and decency.
Prove 1:5 Is a wise person a know-it-all? He is humble, not considering himself superior to others, being ready to listen and take in more instruction. He is thus able to grow in "understanding"--that ability to see all the parts of something, and their relation to one another, as together making the whole of it, and use such to God's honor and the genuine benefit of others.
Prove 1:6 Such a person is able to acquire the wise guidance needed to understand the proverbs of wisdom and riddles. Work with your children to understand sayings and riddles, such as may be found in crosswords or other games and puzzles. Help them gradually learn the lessons of the Proverbs and the teachings of Jesus. Jesus provided many lessons appropriate for children and adults alike, as found in such works as the Sermon on the Mount. This website contains three study articles based on this Sermon. May your love for God and His word grow as you contemplate and consider this precious Bible book, ultimately from our loving Creator, Jehovah!
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PSALM 119
As mentioned previously, Psalm 119 is an acrostic, or an alphabetic song, with each succeeding 8-verse section beginning with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet, evidently done so primarily for assistance with memorization. This makes 8 x 22 letters = 176 total verses. The 22 sections can break down to 2 sets of 11, and I wish beginning with the next blog post to offer an overview of the first 4 sections, then consider each section day by day, and perhaps a review summary as well. Then proceed with the next 4 the same way, with a preview and day by day consideration, and review, then the next 3 to complete the first 11 sections. Then this could be repeated for the final 11 sections. Thus 4-4-3, and 4-4-3 with previews and perhaps reviews. Finally I wish to review each set of 11. In this way much can be gained from this valuable psalm.
Within it there are so many things to appreciate! God reveals through the psalmist the importance of having deep love for Him and His word, and for those who could benefit from it!
The psalmist clearly spring-boarded from Psalm 19, which highlights various aspects of God's word such as His (1)"law", (2)"reminders", (3)"orders", (4)"commandments", and (5)"judgments." These five aspects are introduced in Psalm 119 in the same order, although with two others inserted in between them!
Let's notice the reading of Psalm 19:7-14, which likely helped form the basis of Psalm 119:
"7 The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.
8 The orders from Jehovah are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice; The commandment of Jehovah is clean, making the eyes shine[or, "enlightening the eyes", AMP].
9 The fear of Jehovah is pure, lasting forever. The judgments of Jehovah are true, altogether righteous.
10 They are more desirable than gold, Than much fine gold, And sweeter than honey, the honey that drips from the combs.
11 By them your servant has been warned; In keeping them, there is a large reward.
12 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.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be pleasing to you, O Jehovah, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Altogether there are about 10 aspects of God's word or law highlighted in Psalm 119, with possibly two or more significant related values mentioned. The 5 aspects highlighted above appear in successive order in Psalm 119, with two others inserted among the first 7, those being Gods "ways" and "regulations," or "instructions." The remaining terms are God's "word," His "saying" and His "statutes." The two related values mentioned, perhaps among others, are the "fear of" Jehovah and His "works." We want to come to understand each of these terms, so we can better comprehend their value in relation to God's wisdom. In the next blog post, let's have a PREVIEW of the first 4 alphabetic segments of Psalm 119, verses 1-32, beginning with a key truth, as highlighted in the first verse, that true happiness depends on walking in God's law! Verse 1 reads: "Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah." Is it reasonable to do so? How can we? Let's give this more attention.
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. /
2026 07C/12 (Jlo) FLS Blogpost 3 (7-9) Shorthand, Educ Note: ETH10A3: Update v.14, (7) PR-C(18.4), (PA3) Update, More Orderly Time. / 05P2: Updates, New blogpost, (7) PR-B(11.1). /
2026 06A/12 (Tru) FLS START Blogpost 1 (1-3) Shorthand: ETH08A1: Update, (4A) S07B. / 07A1: (7) PR-C(18.3), (4A) Ps119 S07A. / 05P1: Update, (7) PR-B(10.6), Update, (3) PR-A(02.4). / 07P2: Updates, (4A) Ps119 S06B, (2A) PS[2] and (2B) SW[2]. / 08A2: Update, (7) PR-C(18.2), PR-B(10.5), (4A) Ps119 S06A. / 12P1: (3) PR-A(02.3). /
2026 06B/12 (Tru) FLS Blogpost 2 (4-6) Shorthand: ETH07A1: Update, (4A) Ps119 S07B. / 07A1: Update, (4A) Ps119 S07A. / 07P1: Update, (4A) Ps119 S06B. / 06A1: (4A) Ps119 S06A. / 07A1: (4A) Ps119 S05B. / 07A2: Frmt, (4A) Ps119 S05A. /
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2026 05B/12 (Agr) FLS Blogpost 2 (4-6) Shorthand: ETH09A1: (4A) Ps119 Review S12-22 Part 3 of 3. / 08A1: (4A) Ps119 Review S12-22 Part 2 of 3. / 06A1: (4A) Ps119 Review S12-22 Part 1 of 3. / 09A1: (4A) Ps119 Review Stanza 20-22. / 09P1: New blogpost 2/B and (4A) Ps119 S22A-22B. /
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