Welcome, with warm wishes! Let's continue in Proverbs 2, verses 7-9, then consider Psalm 119 Stanza 4A, verses 25-28.

"7 He treasures up practical wisdom for the upright; He is a shield for those walking in integrity. 8 He watches over the paths of justice, And he will guard the way of his loyal ones. 9 Then you will understand what is righteous and just and fair, The entire course of what is good."

These verses follow on the heels of instruction to find "the knowledge of God" by seeking understanding and discernment, as well as the healthy fear of displeasing God. Prov 2:6 added that "Jehovah himself gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and discernment." Discernment sees the difference between things, such as good from bad, right from wrong, true from false, serious matters of law from lesser ones, though still required. God instructs us in such things, educating and refining our God-given conscience, that we may be guided in the right way from His word.

"7 He treasures up practical wisdom for the upright; He is a shield for those walking in integrity."

Prov 2:7 Jehovah gives the upright, who are seeking Him, practical wisdom, to be able to successfully apply knowledge in life, for the loving benefit of others and themselves. Such ones, as we should desire, seek to walk in integrity, seeking to act the right way despite trials or difficulties, prayerfully confident that our faithful God Jehovah "will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it." (1Cor 10:13). Yes in this way, Jehovah "is a shield for those walking in integrity."

"8 He watches over the paths of justice, And he will guard the way of his loyal ones."

Prov 2:8 Jehovah "watches over the paths of justice," wanting to safeguard the freedom to serve Him faithfully among right-hearted lawmakers and judges of the earth. It is God's word that should be respected and revered as the touchstone of peace-loving right conduct among mankind. Jehovah will guard His loyal ones, watching over them as they seek to walk with Him, by right conduct, on the path leading to endless life.

"9 Then you will understand what is righteous and just and fair, The entire course of what is good."

Prov 2:9 By seeking to walk with God, and seeking to comprehend the knowledge of God, you may come to understand "the entire course of what is good." This evidently includes "what is righteous," or in accord with God's right laws, standards, and ways. It includes "what is...just," in harmony with divine justice, which takes into account God's merciful concern for His human creation. And it includes "what is...fair," or reasonably equitable between involved parties. May we seek to grasp the entire course of what is good--essentially all that is involved in the pursuit of God's will, that we may "calculate the cost" of building discipleship under Christ Jesus. (Luke 14:27-28).

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PSALM 119

Stanza 4 Theme: WE CAN REMAIN FAITHFUL UNDER THE MOST TRIALSOME CIRCUMSTANCES.

As mentioned in our preview of the first 4 stanzas, this one shows we can remain faithful under the most trialsome circumstances. The inspired word of God says this, at 1Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it."

Notice, therefore, the psalmist's next expressions: "25 I lie prostrate in the dust. Preserve me alive according to your word. 26 I told you of my ways, and you answered me; Teach me your regulations. 27 Make me understand the meaning of your orders, So that I may ponder over your wonderful works. 28 I have been sleepless from grief. Strengthen me according to your word."

25 I lie prostrate in the dust. Preserve me alive according to your word.

CONTINUE SEEKING WHAT IS RIGHT. The thoughts of the psalmist express that he feels nearly dead, which may be from reproach, that is often unjustified. A person's grief or their own errors may also feel overwhelming at times to bear. David's words, at Psalm 103:14, reveal God's compassionate understanding of man, saying "For he well knows how we are made, remembering that we are dust." The psalmist, as mentioned earlier, had been suffering reproach, likely feeling humiliated, in a lowly, even deathly condition. Nevertheless, he again looks to Jehovah and His word of promise to sustain him. For instance, Psalm 55:22 says "Throw your burden on Jehovah, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall." May we continue trusting in Jehovah, seeking what is right. Proverbs 18:10 says "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous one runs and receives protection."

26 I told you of my ways, and you answered me; Teach me your [instructions].

PRAYERFULLY RELY ON JEHOVAH. Psalm 37:5 instructs: "Commit your way to Jehovah; Rely on him, and he will act in your behalf." The psalmist recognizes in such a condition, it is God's law that "is perfect, restoring strength..." (Psalm 19:7). Recall Christ's example--no matter how much reproach was heaped upon him, he trusted in God to ultimately safeguard his name or reputation--and this God did, in spite of Jesus' shameful death as a common criminal! May we rely on Jehovah in prayer with our deepest concerns, and trust that, in the end, He will safeguard us, if we seek His honor and righteousness.

27 Make me understand the meaning of your orders, So that I may ponder over your wonderful works.

PURPOSEFUL ORDERS. God gives His most urgent or vital commands with a purpose--always in support of His loving and perfect will. Recall that "God is love," so love for all His creatures, heavenly and earthly, and regard for His holy name and purpose, are at the root of His guidance and His "wonderful works." For example, God's dealings at the Red Sea preserved alive His people, exalted His name or reputation, and kept alive His promises to His faithful servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

28 I have been sleepless from grief. Strengthen me according to your word."

LOOK TO THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT. Once again, sadness, mistakes, or reproach from others can bring grief causing sleeplessness. However, Jehovah calls Himself "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God." (2Cori 1:3-4). Psalm 41:3 says regarding one showing favor to the lowly: "Jehovah will sustain him on his sickbed; During his sickness you will completely change his bed." The psalmist realizes God's promise to sustain him, and is also aware of the comforting power of God's written word.