"6 Listen, for what I say is important, My lips speak what is right"

Prove 8:6 Understanding what is truly important in life, discerning the difference between more important matters and those of lesser importance, is part of having true wisdom and finding success in God's eyes--living in harmony with His standards, practicing true righteousness. May we listen to God's inspired word.

"7 For my mouth softly utters truth, And my lips detest what is wicked."

Prove 8:7 Notice the truth is uttered while detesting what is bad in God's eyes. May we likewise come to love Jehovah and goodness, and hate what is bad, in harmony with Psal 97:10a: "O you who love Jehovah, hate what is bad." This is in harmony with the godly respectful fear of displeasing God.

"8 All the sayings of my mouth are righteous. None of them are twisted or crooked. 9 They are all straightforward to the discerning And right to those who have found knowledge."

Prove 8:8-9 There is little reason for servants of God to be deceptive or tricky with their tongue, lying deceitfully. Rather, may we be honest, and forthright where it is needed, although realizing there is also "a time to be silent." (Eccl 3:7) Notice, too, all this father's sayings are righteous. And this would be in harmony with true love, loyal love that "does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth." (1Cori 13:6). The "discerning" one who has acquired this quality to recognize true from false and right from wrong, find the father's sayings "straightforward," plain or understandable.

"10 Take my discipline instead of silver, And knowledge rather than the finest gold, 11 For wisdom is better than corals; All other desirable things cannot compare to it."

Prove 8:10-11 Nothing can compare to living life in harmony with godly wisdom, having God's approval and blessing on our life, our marriage, and all our activities, finding true success in life, in harmony with God's right standards. Having God's blessing on our adhering to the course of divine wisdom causes even ordinarily desirable things to be come even more delightful, as it adds real purpose to life. Thus, wisdom "is better than" any highly valued gift, material or spiritual, and thus "all other desirable things cannot compare to it."

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PSALM 119 STANZA 17A

Stanza 17 Theme: GOD’S WORDS IMPART UNDERSTANDING, THOSE LOVING GOD’S NAME ARE SHOWN FAVOR.

These verses express love for various aspects of God’s word, including His reminders and commandments. Why does the psalmist sigh over those not keeping God’s law?

Stanza 17A:
129 Your reminders are wonderful. That is why I observe them.
130 The disclosure of your words brings light,Giving understanding to the inexperienced.
131 I open my mouth wide and sigh, Because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and show me favor, In keeping with your judgment toward those loving your name.

129 Your reminders are wonderful. That is why I observe them.

GOD'S REMINDERS BENEFIT US. Clearly the psalmist was well-motivated to obey Jehovah, not doing so out of morbid fear of torment or tormenting “discipline” if he failed to obey. Rather, love for God and His marvelous inspired word moved him, as he developed deep appreciation. The reminders we receive by reading God’s word regularly, and being where the truth of God’s word is discussed, and in association with those of such faith, truly do better our lives and promote happiness and contentment. The psalmist thus found them to be wonderful, despite pressures to ignore or violate God’s law by wrongdoers. May we likewise consider God’s word carefully, deepening our appreciation for it. As Peter instructed early Christians, including those not yet holding to Christian standards, at 1Peter 2:2-3: “2 As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk of the word, so that by means of it you may grow to salvation, 3 provided you have tasted that the Lord is kind.”

130 The disclosure of your words brings light, Giving understanding to the [naive].

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. As a lamp needs to be lit, and as a light needs to be turned on to function, so God’s words need to be disclosed, shared, or “unfolded” to enlighten others to divine truth. This imparts understanding to those lacking—the naive, or those less aware. Jesus told his disciples: “14 “You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when located on a mountain. 15 People light a lamp and set it, not under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house. 16 Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.” Thus, as God’s word is revealed and explained to us and others, we may listen and apply it’s counsel, causing us to be “rich in fine works” as a good example for others in imitation of Christ. (1Timo 6:18).

131 I open my mouth wide and sigh, Because I long for your commandments.

GOD'S GOOD GUIDANCE. Have you ever yearned to know how best to handle a situation? The principles of God’s word, and sometimes His commandments, help us to make better decisions, knowing the right way to go. While Christians operate mostly on Christian standards and principles of truth such as Christ’s example and teachings, there are still Christian commands. Take for instance Paul’s words to the Romans, at 12:9-12. Here we have several very simple, direct commands, instructing in the application of godly principles: “9 Let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked; cling to what is good. 10 In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take the lead. 11 Be industrious, not lazy. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah. 12 Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer.” Do you see the benefit of pondering such commandments, and why the psalmist may have longed for those given to the nation of Israel? Such commands can cause one now to act in a wise way, even while still growing in understanding of Christian truth. (v.100).

132 Turn to me and show me favor, In keeping with your judgment toward those loving your name.

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