Prove 9:7-9 says "7 The one who corrects a ridiculer invites dishonor, And whoever reproves someone wicked will get hurt. 8 Do not reprove a ridiculer, or he will hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you. 9 Share with a wise person, and he will become wiser. Teach someone righteous, and he will add to his learning."

Notice that giving strong correction to a ridiculer, or a critical faultfinder, will likely result in his hatred of you. Such a person spews negative talk and slander. He is missing the love of God in his heart. Such a person is likely arrogant, and is on a path to become like a wicked one, who has "no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much To detect and hate his error. 3 The words of his mouth are hurtful and deceptive; He shows no insight for doing what is good. 4 He plots hurtful schemes even on his bed. He is set on a path that is not good; He does not reject what is bad." (Psal 36:1-4) Such ones need to reflect on God's love for all humans, providing every good gift that we enjoy daily, including food and the breath of life itself! How such ones are lacking in appreciation for our loving Father! They need to repent of their evil course, and turn around to receive "seasons of refreshing from Jehovah himself." (Acts 3:19). Until this occurs, right-hearted ones need to keep distance from such persons, as the Scriptures strongly warn: "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits [or, "corrupt good morals"]. 34 Come to your senses in a righteous way and do not practice sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I am speaking to move you to shame." (1Cor 15:33,34) Thus, let's treasure hearts of integrity, aiming to please God fully, to do right, and delight in association with like-minded ones--yes, forgiving especially unintented mistakes, but not looking to excuse sin as if it is of no consequence. If you plant weeds, will you reap delicious fruits or vegetables? Let's honor the truth of the matter, and seek what is truly right and loving toward one another, before God!

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PSALM 119 REVIEW 5

Stanza 16 Theme: PROVE A LOYAL SERVANT OF GOD, BY PRACTICING WHAT IS JUST AND RIGHT.

These verses show God looks after the welfare of His loyal servants, who practice what is just and righteous. How might understanding help us to know God’s reminders, and why should we highly value God’s commandments?

121 I have done what is just and righteous. Do not abandon me to my oppressors!

STRIVE FOR BLAMELESS INTEGRITY. The psalmist here pleads for God’s protection on the basis of his adherence to the path of righteousness. Some would imagine that the ransom sacrifice of Christ somehow means we no longer have to practice what is right—What a mistake! Recall Jesus said, early in his Sermon on the Mount, “17 “Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I came, not to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 Truly I say to you that sooner would heaven and earth pass away than for one smallest letter or one stroke of a letter to pass away from the Law until all things take place. 19 Whoever, therefore, breaks one of these least commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in relation to the Kingdom of the heavens. But whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in relation to the Kingdom of the heavens. 20 For I say to you that if your righteousness does not surpass that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will by no means enter into the Kingdom of the heavens.” The ransom is primarily to cover our unintentional, occasional misses as we strive for the target of righteousness, or blameless integrity to God. (Romans 3:31; 6:15-17). With full faith in Christ, striving to carefully follow his example of righteousness and keep his commands, we may likewise appeal to God if being oppressed, as the psalmist requests in these two verses.

122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant; May the presumptuous not oppress me.

FAITHFUL ENDURANCE, HOLDING FIRMLY. Going further, the psalmist wants his welfare guaranteed. While God has not promised that we won’t be harmed in some way in this system of things, He can look after our welfare, primarily our spiritual welfare—our well-being, and long-term relationships with God and God-fearing ones. The psalmist has been oppressed by presumptuous ones, at one point having been “greatly afflicted” (v.107). He stated: “92 If I had not been fond of your law, I would have perished in my affliction.” Yet he had things to learn. He said: “71 It is good that I have been afflicted, So that I may learn your [instructions].” And he said: “67 Before I was afflicted, I used to go astray, But now I keep your saying.” Perhaps now that he is more familiar with God’s law and holding firmly to it as God’s “servant,” having done “what is just and righteous,” he appeals for greater protection from immodest, law-breaking presumptuous oppressors. Still, he recognizes: “75 I know, O Jehovah, that your judgments are righteous And that you have afflicted me in your faithfulness.” May we place our full trust in God, confident that: “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.” The goal is faithful endurance to God, holding firmly to His way, accepting what God permits, while hoping for the best possible outcome under the circumstances. Soon, God’s kingdom will usher in greater blessings, and lead us to a world of righteousness and genuine peace earthwide! (Psalm 37:9-11; 2Peter 3:13).

125 I am your servant; give me understanding, So that I may know your reminders.

OBEYING GOD, PRAY FOR DIVINE UNDERSTANDING. Proving a loyal “servant” of Jehovah, by practicing what is just and right, he was therefore worthy of receiving from God the wise quality of understanding. Since this divine quality is vital to receive the "fear of Jehovah," which is the "start of wisdom," he must have been appealing for increased understanding to "know" God's reminders. This quality involves seeing the big picture of something, particularly regarding divine knowledge, along with all it’s pieces, and how they interrelate to make the whole of it. God’s reminders can cover the entire scope of worshipping Him acceptably, keeping His law. Understanding true worship fully makes possible a deeper appreciation for God’s reminders, seeing the reasons for them.

127 That is why I love your commandments More than gold, even fine gold.

LOVING GOD'S COMMANDS MEAN LIFE. Thus we should, like the psalmist, highly value God’s commandments, for they contribute to the eternal welfare and happiness of all humans. While “gold” or money is necessary to get along in life, as this likely king or future king well understood, he placed the priority on God’s word, or spiritual matters. It is as stated at Ecclesiastes 7:12: “12 For wisdom is a protection just as money is a protection, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.” Jesus showed that God himself can provide materially for His servants, as they put God’s will first in life. In fact, he revealed that only one can be put first—either God or Riches. He said, at Matthew 6:24: “24 “No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches.” The psalmist thus chose to love God and His law more than anything money could buy. Eternal life is not available for a monetary price. One must come to love God and others in a genuine way, in harmony with godly wisdom, in accord with God’s word and law, with faith, or deep trust in God and His Son, getting to know them well, to “get a firm hold on the real life”—the everlasting life God has prepared for those who “continue loving Him.” (John 17:3; 1Timo 6:19; James 1:12).


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?

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 younger ones. 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).

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

RIGHT MOTIVATION. “Loving [God’s] name” is one of the most helpful motivations to learning and applying Bible truth. If we seek to uphold God’s reputation in the way we live, honoring Him and showing others the right way to go, we can unselfishly grow in godly wisdom. We should strive to be pure, seeking God’s honor far above our own (1Cori 10:31). On this basis, the psalmist pleaded for God’s favor.

136 Tears stream down from my eyes Because people do not keep your law.

THE VALUE OF GOD'S LAW. Thus, the peace and happiness that all people seek can only be truly found in harmony with God and His law. The psalmist clearly cared about people enough to feel for those not recognizing Jehovah God’s desire and ability to help them prosper spiritually. Psalm 19:7-10 sums up the value of God’s law: “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 [“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.”


Stanza 18 Theme: IN SPITE OF TEMPORARY ILL TREATMENT BY ADVERSARIES, GOD IS TRUE AND JUST, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ETERNAL.

The 8 verses of this stanza remind us of God’s eternal righteousness, HIs reliable reminders, His trustworthy law. How is God’s saying thoroughly refined, and how is it that God's law is truth?


APPRECIATE TRUSTWORTHY REMINDERS. We may thus put complete faith in the things God has commanded that His people be reminded of on a regular basis. The Christian apostles Peter was aware of the need to give such reminders. He stated at 2Peter 1:12, "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." Such reminders would be in harmony with God's right ways and standards, being "righteous," adhering to God's law through Christ, and likewise trustworthy. May we not tire of hearing such reminders, expressed and explained in various ways, that we may come to know, understand, and love these, helping us to maintain our right standing with God and peace with our fellowman.

140 Your saying is thoroughly refined, And your servant loves it.

WONDERFUL AND RELIABLE WORDS. It is 2Timothy 3:16-17 which says of God's word: "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving [strong correction], for setting things straight [readjusting], for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." The more we examine God's wonderful and reliable words we find evidence of it's wisdom and divine inspiration. This text is simplified in NIRV, reading: "God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. 17 By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing." The psalmist saw it's thorough truthfulness, and loved it--may we come to have the same appreciation!

142 Your righteousness is an eternal righteousness,And your law is truth.

THE WAY OF ETERNITY. God's righteousness, or way--encompassing His right laws and standards--is clearly the way of eternity. Understandably, we are to ever live in a way that trusts our reliable God of love, and promotes real peace with Him and others, universally. Jehovah loves truth rooted in unselfish love, and is the "God of truth." (Isaiah 65:16). His divine law is perfectly arranged to support such truth, encouraging us to live and act in harmony with it. Thus it can be said that Jehovah's "law IS truth."


Stanza 19 Theme: CALL UPON JEHOVAH WITH FAITH, HOPE, AND INTEGRITY.

We’re reminded that when we wholeheartedly call upon Jehovah He will hear and answer us. We must do so in faith, seeking integrity, and be persistent in our requests. How is knowledge of God to last forever?

145 I call with my whole heart. Answer me, O Jehovah. Your [instructions] I will observe.

TRUE, LIVING FAITH NOT MERE BELIEF. Clearly the psalmist loved receiving answers from Jehovah regarding his pleas, whole-heartedly calling upon Him. The psalmist makes known through several verses that doing so includes observing God’s instructions, seeking integrity to Him. He is flat out determined to obey God. Thus genuine faith in God is not mere belief, but is accompanied by actions that prove it’s sincerity. James writes: “14 Of what benefit is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but he does not have works? That faith cannot save him, can it? 15 If any brothers or sisters are lacking clothing and enough food for the day, 16 yet one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but you do not give them what they need for their body, of what benefit is it? 17 So, too, faith by itself, without works, is dead.” Thus the good knowledge we take in must be pondered to examine how it should affect us, what actions or obedience it should inspire, thereby reaching our figurative heart.

147 I have been awake before dawn to cry for help, For your words are my hope.

FAITH AND PERSISTENCE FOR SUPPORT. If we face distress or hardship like the psalmist, may we supplicate Jehovah for help as needed. He clearly found strength and comfort from God’s word of promise to him. Waking early gave him a quiet time to prayerfully reflect on God’s words, and remember the hope they have inspired within him. By enduring hardship with integrity, such hope becomes ever stronger in the promises God has made to us. He does promise support, but we must, like the psalmist, put our faith, or deep trust, in Him and His words. We must also be persistent in our requests. Jesus gave illustrations highlighting the need for such persistence. His lesson: “9 So I say to you, keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking, it will be opened.” May we likewise seek God’s help, hoping in God’s words of wisdom and promise.
152 Long ago I learned about your reminders, That you have established them to last forever.

"THE DEPTH OF GOD'S...WISDOM" How we can appreciate God’s refined word, the wisdom of which has proven true on many levels. “33 O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are!” God’s word itself contains the reminders that we all need to maintain our spiritual awareness and faithfulness to God, evidently into eternity! Clearly from this statement of the psalmist, the knowledge of God will “last forever,” along with needed reminders from Him. Isaiah 40:8 says: “8 The green grass dries up, The blossom withers, But the word of our God endures forever.” Thus the word of God, from Genesis to Revelation (with it’s climactic charm), 66 or 70 books if separating the 5 books of Psalms, is a treasure trove of divine knowledge that we can enjoy and appreciate for all time to come, as the holy book that introduced mankind to it’s breathtaking Author, the Creator, Jehovah God. Any additional “scrolls,” unnumbered in Revelation, will no doubt likewise encourage lovers of divine truth, as well as any further revealed will of Jehovah, on into eternity.

CONFIDENCE IN THE CREATOR AND HIS INSPIRED WORD VITAL FOR TRUE HAPPINESS.

LIFT UP YOUR EYES ...As we began to consider previously, man’s Creator, GOD, has demonstrated great love, power, wisdom, and even a sense of justice in the way He made the Universe, this planet, and all that is on and within it. This includes such an incredible variety of creatures, and food supporting man, who according to GOD’s inspired Word, the Bible, is the only physical, or physiological, creature made “in GOD’s image,” or after HIS likeness, having capacity for the same qualities and full character such as HE has (Genesis 1:26). The Bible opens with these inspiring words: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1). Who has raised their eyes to a clear night sky, away from city lights, and not been impressed by the vastness and the sheer number and presumed order of the stars reaching our planet’s view. Notice what the Bible says regarding this: “26 “Lift up your eyes to heaven and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who brings out their army by number; He calls them all by name. Because of his vast dynamic energy and his awe-inspiring power, Not one of them is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26).

DEEPLY IMPRESSED? If you had all the names of these stars in front of you, how many of them could you recall? How long would it take you to learn a thousand, a million, a billion, a trillion? As GOD created them, He reasonably named them, over aeons of time, and Has the capacity to remain familiar with each one. Can we not be deeply impressed, and inspired, as we contemplate and ponder GOD’s great power? Previous to that verse in the Bible book of Isaiah, comes this question from GOD Himself: “25 “To whom can you liken me to make me his equal?” says the Holy One.” Thus, no creation of GOD deserves the same respect, devotion, even worship that only GOD deserves. And by GOD’s own word, another of His inspiring qualities comes to the fore: He is “the Holy One.” Contrary to some opinion, this quality should be quite attractive—it means GOD is pure, clean, uncorrupt, never abusive of His power. That quality does not make Him arrogant, rather it is as He says at Isaiah 57:15: “15 For this is what the High and Lofty One says, Who lives forever and whose name is holy: “I reside in the high and holy place, But also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, To revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of those being crushed.” Thus this quality is in agreement with His primary quality, LOVE.

THE GOD WHO “IS LOVE”

LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR. Not only has GOD revealed tremendous love in the way He made mankind and this earth, but His Word, the Bible, actually goes into greater detail on how this quality is cultivated and demonstrated. Other qualities come together to make up this crowning quality of LOVE, which is not only shown by GOD, but should be shown by humans for GOD and for other humans. GOD’s Son Jesus, revealed the greatest commandments of GOD’s law to descendants of HIS servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, renamed Israel, whose lives are depicted in the first Bible book of Genesis. That law is detailed in the Bible books of Exodus and Leviticus. The fifth book of Deuteronomy explains some of that law, in encouraging GOD’s people at that time to love and obey Him implicitly, en route to the Promised Land of their inheritance. GOD had loyally promised Abraham that his descendants would acquire a land of Promise, a land “flowing with milk and honey.” (Exodus 3:8). The commandments Jesus said were greatest had to do with LOVE—we are to love GOD with all we have, and then our neighbor as ourselves. (Matthew 22:37-39). We show our love for GOD by obeying Him (1John 5:3). IT IS GOD WHO KNOWS BEST HOW HUMANS CAN DWELL TOGETHER IN TRUE PEACE AND HAPPINESS—BY OBEYING GOD FIRST WE THUS MAKE HIM HAPPY AND SHOW MORE COMPLETE LOVE TO OTHERS AND PROMOTE GENUINE UNITY.

BLESSED FOR OBEDIENCE. Abraham’s descendants eventually ended up in Egypt, as slaves, but at GOD’s appointed time, HE loyally saved them from their plight, and keeping His promise to His faithful servant Abraham, eventually brought them into the Land Promised to them. When they obeyed GOD, they were blessed, and under the rule of David’s son Solomon, there was extraordinary peace and prosperity, as a foregleam of earthwide promises GOD has made for the near future in our day, under the promised rule of “a son of man,” born in the line of David, with even greater blessings by GOD. (1Kings 4:25; Jeremiah 23:5; Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 72:7-8; Psalm 132:10-11; Luke 18:7-8). The Bible book of Revelation, among other Bible books, foretells blessings of a government on earth having HIS approval.

GOD’S PURPOSES LOVING, BENEFICIAL, ENLIGHTENING AND TRUSTWORTHY

HE WILL WIPE OUT EVERY TEAR. Revelation makes this promise: “3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4). Must all people ascend to heaven for true happiness and peace, or is it possible that such conditions could, with GOD’s blessing, come about right here on planet Earth, “with mankind?”!! The Creator, GOD Himself, has an incredible record of reliability regarding His purposes, just as HE was able to rescue His people Israel out of slavery in Egypt, out of the hands of Pharaoh’s army, parting the Red Sea for their escape, where to this day is evidence of Pharaoh’s chariots and chariot wheels, which God’s word stated HE was removing from the chariots as HE fought against them to protect Israel. (Exodus 14:25, KJV).

TRUST GOD AND HIS WORD FOR SALVATION. What of Pharaoh’s army, who perished in the Red Sea? This story makes it clear that people need FAITH, or CONFIDENCE IN GOD AND HIS WORD for salvation and happiness. How so? You may recall that this occurred only after the Tenth Plague on Egypt, the striking of the firstborn. JEHOVAH is a GOD of freedom—so HE allows people to choose their own course, although there are often consequences to bad decisions. God allowed Pharaoh to become so stubborn, despite all the proof of GOD’s great power over the other gods of Egypt. Still, all that was necessary was the placing of the blood of a lamb or a goat on the doorposts of a home, likely using the animal as for a life-saving meal, for the angel to “pass over” the house and not strike the firstborn. Those showing no faith in GOD or HIS WORD, and didn’t heed the warning, did suffer loss. Still, the seriousness of the matter of letting GOD’S PEOPLE GO and worship Him was also made clear—it had become a life or death matter to GOD. It was the Hebrew Joseph that GOD used to save countless lives in Egypt and elsewhere during the great famine. (Genesis 41:54-57). For hundreds of years Egypt had benefitted from Hebrew labor and toil. Yet, that time was up—rather, it was time for GOD to keep His promise to His Hebrew servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Thus, chasing after GOD’s people, showing no faith in GOD’s power, was risky business. Israel, however, left with a vast mixed crowd of EGYPTIANS—WHO DID PUT FAITH IN GOD, and wanted to worship HIM among GOD’s people. (Exodus 12:38). Thus it was an individual choice to love and obey GOD or not. It is ultimately ENDLESS LIFE IN TRUE HAPPINESS that GOD PURPOSES for obedient mankind. (Psalm 37:29).

CONCLUSION:

JESUS’ SIMILAR PLEA. Did Jesus support this recommendation? Absolutely! Among the important statements He made when being tempted by God’s enemy Satan was this: “It is written: “ MAN MUST LIVE, NOT ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD COMING FROM JEHOVAH’S MOUTH. ” (Matthew 4:4). Thus, all should aim to become keenly aware of GOD’s instruction and guidance, benefitting from it regularly, just as we benefit from life-promoting food on a daily basis. Another Scripture stating the value of GOD’s written word, is found at 2Timothy 3:16-17.

Here it is from a simplified translation: “16 God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. 17 By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 | NIRV)

UNDER THE RULE OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT, THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN HIS WORD WILL MAKE POSSIBLE PUBLIC POLICIES THAT PROMOTE HONESTY, FAIRNESS, REASONABLENESS AND HAPPINESS.

It may be that even now adherence to GOD's word is allowing some success in policy-making and follow-through. Many of GOD’s policies are clearly set forth in His Word. Still, some questions remain: Is GOD’s word meant to be understood accurately? How so, and how might misunderstandings have hindered confidence in GOD? Also, how is GOD’s purpose Universal in scope, but what should come first? And, HOW IS IT THAT GOD’S STANDARDS ARE REALISTIC, REASONABLE, RELIABLE AND REWARDING?