2020 Jan 04 Proverbs 1, Psalm 119 Stanza 1
J. Mark A. Campbell-Elanemy • January 4, 2020
2020 Jan 04 Proverbs 1, Psalm 119 Stanza 1
Welcome, wishing you well! Let's continue in Proverbs 1, verses 10-19, then give consideration to stanza 1 of Psalm 119.
"10 My son, if sinners try to entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say: “Come with us. Let us set an ambush to shed blood. We will lie hidden, waiting for innocent victims without cause. 12 We will swallow them alive as the Grave does, Whole, like those going down to the pit. 13 Let us seize all their precious treasures; We will fill our houses with spoil. 14 You should join us, And we will all share equally what we steal.” 15 My son, do not follow them. Keep your feet off their path, 16 For their feet run to do evil; They hurry to shed blood. 17 It is surely in vain to spread a net in full sight of a bird. 18 That is why these lie in ambush to shed blood; They lie hidden to take the lives of others. 19 These are the ways of those seeking dishonest profit, Which will take away the life of those who obtain it."
PAUSING TO REFLECT ON THE CONSEQUENCES.
An ambush is "a trap in which concealed persons lie in wait to attack by surprise." (Merriam-Webster, 2018) The aim is extremely selfish thievery and possibly murder. Clearly, they somehow imagine God is not watching, seeming to believe God will not call them to account or bring them to ruin or bring severe punishment for their evil actions against innocent victims. Proverbs 1:16 says "their feet run to do evil." They should rather pause to reflect on the consequences of their actions before doing anything--the rewards of righteousness far outweigh so-called benefits of wrongdoing. Proverbs 10:2 says "The treasures gained by wickedness will be of no benefit, but righteousness is what rescues from death." According to God's established law, anything gained by wickedness will be of NO BENEFIT! In the end such leads only to misery, without God's blessing. Only with true repentance might there be hope for such ones, but they have to live with the heartache of the pain they may have caused others, along with other consequences.
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PSALM 119
The first 8 verses contain 7 different terms used throughout this psalm. Let's examine these terms to be able to better comprehend their contribution to godly wisdom. The first few verses also show that it is possible and reasonable to keep God's law, to practice or live by it! Notice how this is worded, as we consider the first stanza in it's entirety:
"Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah. 2 Happy are those who observe his reminders, Who search for him with all their heart. 3 They practice no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded That your orders be carefully kept. 5 If only I could remain steadfast So as to observe your regulations! 6 Then I would not be put to shame When I consider all your commandments. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart When I learn your righteous judgments. 8 I will observe your regulations. May you never utterly forsake me."
TRUE HAPPINESS FOUND.
As mentioned in our preview, an outstanding point of this stanza is that true happiness depends on walking in God's law, and true Christians do so by faith, or deep trust, in God, His word, and Jesus' example and ransom provision for true forgiveness of sins with genuine repentance--turning around from an erring course (Acts 3:19). Notice the expressions here, that such ones finding happiness really do "practice no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways." Another translation says "They do no wrong but follow his ways." (Psalm 119:3, NIV). Thus it is not only possible to obey God--it is reasonable and highly rewarding to do so! May each person plead to God for a proper view of loving and serving Him obediently, His orders being "carefully kept!" A proper view of God is thus essential to growing spiritually.
Also, Jesus showed God would have, which Jesus should oversee, a channel of instruction, called a "faithful and discreet slave" through which spiritual food, and guidance, would be provided for the benefit of the entire Christian household on earth. (Matth 24:45-47). It is hoped that such an organization would remain faithful to God, not becoming evil by 'beating his fellow slaves and eating and drinking with the confirmed drunkards.' (Matth 24:48-51). It should be the genuine truth of God that should be promoted, clearing up any misunderstandings causing confusion among those who would be true Christians worldwide. While their faithfulness and obedience can be blessed by God, they most likely cannot constitute a perfect organization when largely made up of imperfect people--humility should always mark such an organization, with a willingness to make adjustments in teaching when errors, large or small, become revealed in God's way. We may pray that such a channel of instruction remain spiritually pure before our holy God.
Now let's begin considering at least the 10 terms mentioned in verses 1-16, starting with the first 7.
Verse 1 mentions God's LAW, which can be defined as a singular custom or practice of a community, or a rule of conduct prescribed and enforced by a controlling authority. In verse 1, reference is made, not to a singular law, but rather to the whole body of such customs, practices, or rules. Psalm 19:7 says "The LAW of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength."
Verse 2 speaks of God's REMINDERS. Peter said, at 2Peter 1:12-13,15: "For this reason I intend always to remind you of these things, although you know them and are well-established in the truth that is present in you.13 But I consider it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you with reminders,...15 I will always do my utmost so that after my departure, you may be able to recall these things for yourselves." so God's REMINDERS assist our memory of God's truth and good guidance, to be better able to apply it to our life. Often this requires hearing something more than just once! So may we not fall into the trap of complaining when we hear something more than once--we need these, to ponder how to apply them in our lives! "The REMINDER of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise." (Psalm 19:7).
Verse 3 mentions walking in God's WAYS. Clearly, God has ways of doing things, and if possible, we want to do things God's way--we can be happy to know the way God wants us to do something--He sees the big picture, and long-range view, and thus knows the best way to do things! Thus, David writes, at Psalm 37:34, "Hope in Jehovah and follow his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth..."
Verse 4 speaks of God's ORDERS to be "carefully kept." Recall Psalm 19:8 says "The ORDERS from Jehovah are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice." Clearly a command to do or avoid something, evidently with even more urgency or zeal than a command or commandment.
Verse 5 mentions observing God's REGULATIONS. These are defined as authoritative detailed rules or procedures, given to regulate or control an organization or system. In Scripture, when in the plural, this term evidently may be more simply translated as INSTRUCTIONS.
Verse 6 speaks of God's COMMANDMENTS. Something commanded, or required to either do or avoid. Psalm 19:8 says "The commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes." (AMP). God's commandments preserve our purity before God, making it possible to serve Him acceptably and see things clearly, with spiritual vision.
Verse 7 mentions God's righteous JUDGMENTS. These are evaluations formed by discerning and comparing or contrasting. His evaluations and decisions should be respected and appreciated, and often much can be learned from them. They are "true, altogether righteous." (Psalm 19:9).
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!
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