2020 Mar 09-Mar 10 Proverb 8, Psalm 119 Stanza 17B, "CTC Corner" Startup
2020 Mar 09-Mar 10 Proverbs 8, Psalm 119 Stanza 17B, "CTC Corner" Startup
"11 For wisdom is better than corals; All other desirable
things cannot compare to it. 12 I, wisdom, dwell together with
shrewdness; I have found knowledge and thinking ability. 13 The fear of
Jehovah means the hating of bad. I hate self-exaltation and pride and
the evil way and perverse speech.14 I possess good advice and practical
wisdom; Understanding and power are mine. 15 By me kings keep reigning,
And high officials decree righteousness. 16 By me princes keep ruling,
And nobles judge in righteousness."
Prov 8:11 Corals were
rare and highly prized in Solomon's day, but no material gift or desired
thing can compare to true godly wisdom, as it brings meaning and
purpose to life and thereby makes possible genuine peace, harmony, and happiness among mankind. Adding the right purpose and meaning to life also happens to increase enjoyment in the delights we may
experience.
"12 I, wisdom, dwell together with
shrewdness; I have found knowledge and thinking ability."
Prov 8:12 Shrewdness, or foresighted prudence,
dwells with true wisdom. This quality enables us to look ahead at the
consequences of good and bad decisions and actions. Thus we grow in
wisdom without having to experience the results of bad decisions
ourselves, along with associated troubles, turmoil, headaches,
heartaches, heartbreaks, problems, grief, and pain, and the need to
recover from such things at times with the help of parents or spiritual
shepherds to get back on track spiritually. Let's make good decisions as
we stay far away from the path of the wicked, realizing the detrimental
consequences of evil practices, as well as the blessings and rewards
associated with right conduct. Thus we may avoid being naïve, and find
real success in life, keeping away from snares and traps hindering our
success in God's eyes (Prov 22:3).
"13 The fear of
Jehovah means the hating of bad. I hate self-exaltation and pride and
the evil way and perverse speech."
Prov 8:13 What insight into
godly fear--associated with the hating of bad! As we learn the
consequences of badness, we may thus find reason to hate it thoroughly,
and rather treasure what is truly good, in harmony with God's standards.
We find here four things worth hating, including self-exaltation and
pride, lifting oneself up above others, viewing others as lesser ones.
God's word says "knowledge puffs up," while "love builds up." True love
is humble, viewing others as superior to ourselves. Others have gifts
and talents as we do, often more or better than us, but regardless, all
such gifts and talents come from our God, the giver of "every good gift
and perfect present." (James 1:17). Therefore we've no reason to brag or
boast in ourselves, or flatter ourselves, making it harder to see our
flaws and correct them (Psal 36:2).
"14
I possess good advice and practical wisdom; Understanding and power are
mine. 15 By me kings keep reigning, And high officials decree
righteousness. 16 By me princes keep ruling, And nobles judge in
righteousness."
Prov 8:14-16 Jesus exemplified true wisdom, and proved to be a "Wonderful Counselor." By his teachings and example as outlined in God's word, high officials and nobles may decree righteousness, and judges judge in harmony with law, which law is hopefully respectful of the law of God.
_______
The 8 verses of this stanza 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 17B:
133 Guide my steps safely by your saying; May nothing wicked dominate me.
134 Rescue me from oppressive men, And I will keep your orders.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant, And teach me your regulations.
136 Tears stream down from my eyes Because people do not keep your law.
133 Guide my steps safely by your saying; May nothing wicked dominate me.
TRUST GOD'S GUIDANCE. Recall that God has given us free will, and wants us to use that gift in harmony with His guidance, choosing to do right before Him. While we set goals and make plans, Jehovah is the One with the right and the wisdom to know what is good and bad for us. This is evidently what is meant in Jeremiah 10:23, which states: “23 I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” We need the light of divine truth to successfully walk with God. Deciding to step is similar to deciding whether to believe something is true. Proverbs 14:15 says “The naive person believes every word, But the shrewd [or, “foresighted prudent”] one ponders each step.” The primary lesson may be, “think before you act.” Speaking of God, Jesus said “I always do the things pleasing to Him.” Thus the psalmist pleads for God to guide his steps safely. Along with this he asks for nothing wicked to dominate him, or as another translation reads, “Don’t let any sin be my master.” (NIRV). For this to be true, we should aim to view things as God does, asking “What would God have me do?” or “What would Jesus do or have done in this situation?” This is the point of Proverbs 3:5-6, saying: “ 5 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways take notice of him [“Seek His will in all you do”, NLT], And he will make your paths straight.” May we trust and appreciate God’s guidance in our life, for our everlasting success and happiness!
134 Rescue me from oppressive men, And I will keep your orders.
FIRMLY STANDING. The indication is here that “oppressive men” may try to interfere with such godly obedience. The psalmist pleads for God’s intervention, that he may be free to obey God, to keep His orders. While endeavoring to keep all of God’s commandments, recall that such orders may involve the most serious and urgent commands. These are a major part of the framework of God’s law, as the structural supports in a house. This is built on the foundation of faith in Christ and essential teachings of Christian truth. May we come to identify the orders of God and Christ, appreciating their vital role in supporting a happy and successful life before God, especially with the future blessings of God’s kingdom.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant, And teach me your [instructions].
GOD'S NAME UPON HIS PEOPLE. Clearly, the psalmist sought God’s favor and blessing, as he wanted to be taught detailed guidance from God. Isaiah says of Israel: “13 And all your sons will be taught by Jehovah, And the peace of your sons will be abundant.” (Isaiah 54:13). The Christian apostle Paul referred to the “Israel of God” as those walking orderly by Christian conduct. (Galat 6:16). Thus those being taught by Jehovah would come to have abundant peace, in harmony with prophecies regarding the blessings of life under God’s rulership. Psalm 37:11 says “11 But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” Regarding God’s face shining upon the psalmist, this may be understood in the light of Numbers 6:22-27: “22 Then Jehovah said to Moses: 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is the way you should bless the people of Israel. Say to them: 24 “May Jehovah bless you and safeguard you. 25 May Jehovah make his face shine upon you, and may he favor you. 26 May Jehovah lift up his face toward you and grant you peace.”’ 27 And they must place my name upon the people of Israel, that I may bless them.” May we ever look to Jehovah and honor Him as the Source of genuine peace and happiness!
136 Tears stream down from my eyes Because people do not keep your law.






2025 5C/8C (7Hul-8Lsg2) Find Life and See (7-9) Proverbs B (8) CTC Corner and WGA-B (9) Godlove Home




