Hello, with a warm welcome! Let's give consideration to a review of Psalm 119 stanza 5 thru 8, and then review stanzas 9 thru 11. We may also look into Proverbs 4, and something of genuine value regarding the Greatest Man.

PSALM 119 REVIEW 2 STANZAS 5-8

Recall the theme for stanza 5:

Verses 33, 34 and 37 contain some key thoughts on this theme, helping us to comprehend God's law and it's value, and hold to it. Here are the verses and their associated comments:

"FOLLOW IT TO THE END." Evidently, even the detailed instructions and procedures of God's law the psalmist was eager to learn from God, so as to obey Him fully. He was determined to keep God's instructions "to the end," possibly meaning "to the last detail." The psalmist may even have had a double-meaning in mind here, as AMP adds "[steadfastly]." Regardless, we should appreciate even detailed instructions from God, realizing their valued contribution to His purpose. May we thus seek an obedient heart. Of course, these are God's instructions or rules the psalmist is referring to--rules formulated by humans should carefully take God's word into consideration, lest they become unduly cumbersome, or violate right standards, or even common sense! We should still aim to respect even man-made rules that do not conflict with God's word,where we perceive they are properly authorized or made with good intentions and that they're conceived for good reasons.Later, the psalmist mentions keeping God's law "forever and ever." May we likewise look long-term, comprehending God's eternal purpose, to have right-hearted worshippers happily and peaceably loving Him and one another throughout His universe. This requires that all acknowledge Jehovah's just, fair, and right standards for living.
UNDERSTANDING NEEDED. The psalmist recognizes the importance of the quality of understanding, when it comes to learning to fully obey Jehovah. Understanding involves seeing the big picture, along with all the individual pieces that make it up, and how they all interconnect to make the whole. This is vital, for instance, when learning to operate a motor vehicle. There are many principles and traffic laws that must be learned, that together make it possible to safely navigate the roadways among fellow drivers. Without understanding how these many laws work together, there would be chaos and confusion. By the time people learn to drive, they thus need to have a fair grasp of this quality to do so properly. God is honored by our respect for such laws. We should also learn such laws, not only for our own benefit, but out of love and respect for our neighbors, with interest in their safety. With such motives, it is possible to observe God's law with our "whole heart." Such laws will then most likely affect our actions and reactions, as we truly seek to obey and honor God from the heart. Children can begin learning this quality with overviews of various subjects, such as may appear currently in the Awake! magazine, published by Jehovah's Witnesses, who seem lately to be adjusting some views to embrace God's purpose even more accurately. They may even be modifying the current Awake! format to incorporate TWO subjects per journal rather than just one. It is important to remember, however, that discernment is far more important than having a deep understanding of many things. Everyone needs to gain a good grasp of discernment, to tell the difference between true and false, right and wrong, good from bad, wise and unwise, clean from unclean, more important matters from less important matters, serious matters from not-so-serious matters, etc. before they reach about the age of 8 years or later, when they might more fully grasp understanding. SPURNING WHAT IS "WORTHLESS" Psalm 119:37 This verse shows an important consideration to maintaining godly obedience--being careful what we give attention to, especially what we choose to listen to or look at. We need the quality of discernment to judge between something of value spiritually and something "worthless." This quality helps us discern between right and wrong, true and false, good and bad, wise and unwise, and between more important matters and those less so but still required. We might add: between things of great value and those of less or no value, between clean and unclean things in God's eyes, and serious matters and less serious matters. Let's use God's word to correct a child's thinking on these matters. How would you value a close relationship with God? How about eternal life in true peace and happiness, and that of your loved ones and friends? Of course, the latter depends upon the former. Hopefully you've come to value both highly. If so, we should have no problem turning away from things that undermine, or threaten to take away, what we treasure most, choosing instead the things in harmony with God's right ways and standards. In this way we act in harmony with the psalmist's plea to be 'preserved alive in God's own way.' If you don't yet feel close to God, pray to Him more, with faith, or deep trust in Him and His desire to reward you for your loyalty. (Hebre 11:6). Confidently ask him for things you truly need, and experience His hand of assistance in your life, while you read His word for His guidance. In this way, "Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you..." (James 4:8). At this time I wish to correct something that could otherwise cause misunderstanding. In describing the dangerous effects of wrong jealousy, I have often cited on my website James 3:16, which says that wherever there are jealousy and contentiousness, there will also be disorder and every vile thing. In harmony with this lesson, "vile" actually means "worthless," not just evil. However, how much evil is NOT worthless? In doing so, there has perhaps been greater effort to reject jealousy which many used to dismiss casually. However, the Bible shows there is a good form of jealousy, a godly jealousy, which involves being disturbed when anything on earth or in the heavens is worshipped by humans, hurting our loving and worthy God, and causing a departure from His right ways. The apostle Paul thus highlighted loyalty and adherence to God's laws and standards, at 2Corinthians 11:2.
Recall the theme for stanza 6:
Verses 41,44, and 47 underscore our theme. Here are the verses and their associated comments.
"BECAUSE HE HAS AFFECTION FOR ME." Psalm 119:41 The psalmist thus shows that God's love for us would certainly move Him to bring us salvation through His judgment, in harmony with many such promises in His word. Psalm 91, evidently written by Moses, says this in verses 14-16: "God said: “Because he has affection for me, I will rescue him. I will protect him because he knows my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in distress. I will rescue him and glorify him. 16 I will satisfy him with long life, And I will cause him to see my acts of salvation.” All this because of our affectionate love for Jehovah, shown by our loyal obedience to Him (1John 5:3). Such an attachment to God personally, a close relationship with Him, moves Jehovah to respond loyally in return. "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you..." says James 4:8. Accordingly, our hope of salvation is thereby strengthened.
WRITING GOD'S LAW ON OUR HEART. Psalm 119:44 Acquiring such integrity brings genuine joy of heart, being close to God, along with other devoted ones, moving us to want to experience such happiness "forever and ever," by keeping God's law "constantly." By thus making God's law OUR law, writing God's law on our heart, we are always able to live in a way that pleases God! May we find such delight as did the psalmist, and "get a firm hold on the real life," the everlasting life promised by our Creator, Jehovah, "to those who continue loving Him." (1Timo 6:19; James 1:12).
GIVEN OUT OF GREAT LOVE. Psalm 119:47 What a lovely simple expression of appreciation for God's law! Jehovah has given His commandments out of His great love for us, to do what is in our best interests, what leads to our greatest happiness! Isaiah 48:17-18 says, for instance, "This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. 18 If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea." By thus "paying attention" to God's commandments, we can, like the psalmist, come to love them and keep them, with integrity, and with strengthened hope of salvation by God!
Recall the theme for stanza 7:
Verses 49, 50, and 56 helps us appreciate this truth, as the psalmist experienced it for himself. These verses follow, with their associated comments:
THE GOD OF HOPE. Psalm 119:49 This future king evidently received a word of promise from Jehovah, which helped to sustain him through difficult times. Of course, God's word the Bible is filled with hope-inspiring promises from God. Hope is vital to all, and God is eager for people to look to Him with hope in His blessing and salvation by seeking faithfulness to Him. In fact, a primary reason God's word the Bible has been provided to humans is that "we might have hope." Romans 15:4 says: "For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope." After Adam's sin, it took Jehovah almost no time at all to provide hope to the human family of a restoration of God's purpose, with the prophecy recorded in Genesis 3:15. Thus Jehovah is keenly aware of our need for this. May we likewise be quick to provide comfort to one lacking hope, if only they may turn to the God of hope, Jehovah. Psalm 146:5 says "Happy is the one who has the God of Jacob as his helper, Whose hope is in Jehovah his God."
GOD'S TRUTH CAN PRESERVE LIFE. Psalm 119:50 Thus, God's reliable word of promise provides us with genuine comfort in difficult times, when we, like the psalmist, may suffer affliction in some form. Whatever "saying" he has reference to, it is nevertheless true that God's word and law protects us in many ways from harm as we heed it's instruction and guidance. Following God's word, for instance, preserved alive Noah and his family, and the human race, when Jehovah brought the promised deluge upon a violent, evil society of humans whom God said had "ruined it way" on planet Earth (Genes 6:11-12). Today, there is much to harm humans physically and spiritually, which may include our mental and emotional well-being. God warns us against much harm with wise counsel and His "saying," or word of truth, which may at times even 'preserve us alive' by our following it.
KEEPING GOD FIRST. Psalm 119:56 Observing God's orders cause "the heart to rejoice," as God gives us rewarding activities to focus our attention on to help accomplish His will. (Psalm 19:8). It is as David sang at Psalm 23:5-6 "...My cup is well-filled. 6 Surely goodness and loyal love will pursue me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of Jehovah for all my days." The psalmist made it a practice to do the things necessary to maintain his hold on God's law, because he followed God's orders, and these helped him to maintain soundness of mind, keeping his priorities straight in life. When we put God first in life, doing as He instructs, other things seem to fall into place--we're able to get more accomplished than we may realize. Philippians 4:13 says "For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power." And in reference to the order for Christians to share divine light, God's word mentions, at 2Corinthians 4:7 "However, we have this treasure ["the glorious knowledge of God"] in earthen vessels, so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us." May we thus diligently seek God's commands through Christ, relying upon God for the power to keep them, assisting us in drawing close to God and proving a blessing to fellow humans.
Lastly, the theme for stanza 8 is this:
Verses 58, 63, and 64 underscore this theme, as we see the value of having God's blessing, and the joys of serving Jehovah alongside others who love, obey, and greatly respect Him. These verses and their associated comments follow:
HELP OTHERS BE FAITHFUL TO GOD. Psalm 119:58 The psalmist makes every effort to please His God, to receive His favor and approval, appealing to Him "with all [his] heart." This may remind you of Jesus' designation of the greatest commandments of the Law, as revealed at Matthew 22:37-40: "He said to him: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 The second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.” As important as it is to love people, here we see loving God takes priority. Jehovah God has the greatest capacity for love, it being His greatest quality. (1John 4:8). It is Jehovah's part in a marriage that can make it a steadfast bond, not easily broken, as Ecclesiastes 4:12 states: "And someone may overpower one alone, but two together can take a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn apart." Thus the greatest love one can show to his or her spouse is by helping one another be loyal and faithful to God. Then, by God's command, they should love one another, becoming "one flesh." (Genes 2:24).
UNITED BY GOD OF PEACE. Psalm 119:63 Here is another joy of loving God first and serving Him faithfully--we may find delightful association with others who are equally devoted to Jehovah, holding to His standards. The genuine fear of God is not a morbid one--while respecting His greatness and power, we fear displeasing or hurting Him, wanting nothing to hinder His love. Thus, godly fear and love are spoken of together in the Scriptures. (Deute 10:12; Psalm 103:11). It is ONLY by the united loyalty to Jehovah God that genuine peace and love can flourish, having His support and blessing! Proverbs 10:22 reminds us: "It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, And He adds no pain with it." Psalm 133:1 expresses the result, in saying: "Look! How good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!" Together, we treasure loyalty and faithfulness to God, shown by our obedience.
JEHOVAH, EVER SHOWING LOYAL LOVE. Psalm 119:64 Jehovah has shown much love to all mankind, as evidenced by His grand and loving creative hand in the way He made us and this planet. Also, He is ever showing love to all, and especially to His faithful people, daily, throughout the earth. This is doubtless part of the 'work' Christ Jesus had reference to, when he said, as recorded at John 5:17, "My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.” Along with His son, He will continue to help as many as possible choose the path of eternal life with His blessing. Thus Jehovah's loyal love "fills the earth!" Thus may we be moved, like the psalmist, to learn and follow even the detailed instructions from God, that God's will and work may be carried out to His honor and glory, and our eternal happiness.

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PSALM 119 PREVIEW 3 STANZAS 9 THRU 11

Verses 67-68, and 71-72 underscore this theme. Verse 67 says "Before I was afflicted, I used to go astray, But now I keep your saying." Experiencing difficulties may help us learn the value of godly obedience. Verse 68 says "You are good and your works are good. Teach me your regulations." What are some of the evidences of God's goodness and creative handiwork? Might these help motivate us to learn God's instructions for life? Verse 71 says "It is good that I have been afflicted, So that I may learn your regulations." Along with His abundant goodness, God's loving correction may also move us to be obedient, even if we've had to suffer consequences of wrongdoing. And verse 72 says "The law that you have proclaimed is good for me, More so than thousands of pieces of gold and silver." Why is God's law, then, so priceless?
Psalm 119 stanza 10, verses 73-80:
Verses 75,77, and 80 highlight this theme. Verse 75 says "I know, O Jehovah, that your judgments are righteous And that you have afflicted me in your faithfulness." The psalmist, as a likely future king, came under more of God's discipline than most, needing refinement to carry out God's will fully. How is it that those receiving sonship to rule with Jesus also need strong discipline from God? Verse 77 says "Show me mercy, so that I may keep living, For I am fond of your law." The psalmist thus no doubt recognized human imperfection, and the need for God's mercy to maintain a relationship with Him. What words of Moses may remind us of the connection between life and obedience to God? Verse 80 says "May my heart be blameless in following your regulations, So that I may not be put to shame." The psalmist requests a heart of integrity. Why can seeking divine obedience bring increasing happiness?
Psalm 119 stanza 11, verses 81-88:
Despite difficulties, we can remember God's detailed guidance, commandments, orders, and reminders. Even through slanderous lies, God's orders are a protection. Verses 81,84, and 86-87 help us in this. Verse 81 says "I long for your salvation, For your word is my hope." Jesus said those persecuted for doing right wlll receive the Kingdom of the Heavens--either as corulers with Christ or as happy subjects under it's rule. How does Jehovah God feel about those so persecuted? Verse 84 says "How many days must your servant wait? When will you bring judgment against those persecuting me?" Notice his faith in God's judgment, will and power to act in his behalf. How might such move wrongdoers to respond to God's correction? Verse 86 says "All your commandments are trustworthy. Men persecute me without cause; help me!" Again, what faith in God's reliable commands. Might we nevertheless be persecuted "without cause?" And verse 87 says "They almost exterminated me from the earth, But I did not abandon your orders." Thus may we be protected from lasting harm.

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PROVERBS 4

Proverbs 4:11-13:
"11 I will instruct you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you in the tracks of uprightness. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; And if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold on to discipline; do not let it go. Safeguard it, for it means your life."
Prove 4:11 Really listening to wise ones, especially wise parents, can help us to become wise, as will reading Proverbs, Jesus' teachings, those of his apostles, and the rest of God's word. Are you in the habit of regularly receiving such instruction or reminders? Is it not nourishing to us in a spiritual sense? How often do you receive physical nourishment? Daily? Likely, several times a day. And do you request God's blessing on your food beforehand, to effectively nourish you? Why not have even short periods of spiritual examination, and contemplation, briefly requesting God's blessing? We will gain understanding in how to walk with God uprightly, bringing Him great pleasure.
Prove 4:12 When we walk according to God's righteousness, we will have God's favor and blessing, and will experience less in the way of spiritually harmful consequences than disobedient ones. We may choose to "walk" in God's service, or when our circumstances permit, we can choose to "run" in God's service, accepting greater responsibilities in worshipping God. Instructed in true wisdom and righteousness, we will not stumble either way. Psalm 119:165 says to God: "Abundant peace belongs to those who love your law; Nothing can make them stumble."
Prove 4:13 How vital to reject prideful thinking and remain humble before God and others, even when being offered correction. "So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall." (1Cor 10:12). The gifts and talents that others have often better our own, and we received such from God himself, so we should have no room for boasting, except in God Jehovah. While on earth, leaving us a model, Jesus always sought God's glory above his own (1Pet 2:21). So may we appreciate any discipline--loving and helpful correction--received from others, especially a parent, step-parent or guardian, or congregation elder, that is likely to be in harmony with God's word. Such correction may mean our very lives, even eternal life in true happiness!

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Proverbs 4:14-19:
"14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil men. 15 Shun it, do not take it; Turn away from it, and pass it by. 16 For they cannot sleep unless they do what is bad. They are robbed of sleep unless they cause someone’s downfall. 17 They feed themselves with the bread of wickedness, And they drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light That grows brighter and brighter until full daylight. 19 The way of the wicked is like the darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble."
Prove 4:14-16 The wise counsel here is to shun, or "turn away from" the path or the way of evil ones. We should never be envious of what they seem to have, or so-called benefits they seem to gain by their evil practices. They are robbed of sleep unless they do bad, or cause someone's downfall. Are they motivated by true love? Do they have the reward and blessing of God? In no way. So what is their future? As Asaph realized in Psalm 73:18-19, "Surely you place them on slippery ground. You make them fall to their ruin. 19 How suddenly they are devastated! How sudden is their finish as they come to a terrible end!" May we follow the path leading to eternal life, in true peace and happiness, and help others find and remain on this path!
Prove 4:17 What may have turned them to the way of evil to begin with was what they were feeding their minds on spiritually--much exists in the way of "the bread of wickedness" and the "wine of violence." There is much entertainment making evil practices seem to bring happiness, or at least a temporary pleasure. Such promoted ideas are usually a boldface lie, hiding the resulting headaches, heartaches, troubles, turmoil, sorrow, pain and grief caused by such practices. God knows the way of true happiness for all humans, the way that not only brings us and others pleasure and true happiness, but that leaves no scars, nor leaves us battered spiritually. Proverbs 10:22 says "It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, and He adds no pain with it." And James reminds us, at James 1:16,17: "Do not be misled, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, coming down from the Father of the celestial lights, who does not vary or change like the shifting shadows." Man often tries to run ahead of God, stealing gifts from God just a little while before God was going to give it. We often just need to learn a little patience, appreciation, and self-control, things we can pray to God for, to be thankful for what we have now, and prepare or ready ourselves for the future gifts God will bring us at the right time, when we're truly ready for it.
Prove 4:18 Righteous ones are drawn to the truth of God, letting it lead them to the true path going toward eternal life. May all Christians be willing to discard any belief that is found to be out of harmony with God's reliable word, even if Bible translators believed it, and made it seem to be true in their translation! Some truths may be harder to decipher, but we want to be shrewd and on guard against believing a lie. Proverbs 14:15 says "The naive person believes every word, But the shrewd one ponders each step." May we be very careful before accepting anything into our belief system that might not be entirely true, even if a minister may believe it and seem to use scripture to justify his belief. The scriptures may be taken out of context, or even (hopefully not often) be translated unfaithfully. More insight into the scriptures may be needed to clarify truth, but the truth is in harmony with the entire Bible, so almost invariably the truth can be discerned by comparison of other scriptures discussing the same subject. If unsure, let's pray and wait on God for further clarification.
Prove 4:19 Those acting wickedly do not have the light of God's word to guide their path. They stumble and fall, experiencing trouble, pain, and grief, and often not knowing why their path is not leading them to the happiness they thought they were finding. May we cling to our loving God, who can bring us to the true happiness we're seeking, leading us to experience it even more fully in His new world of righteousness and peace, and eternal life.
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GREATEST MAN

Next comes some significant words of Jesus Christ, who spoke from God, as he nears the end of the rousing introduction to his famous Sermon on the Mount, which he likely shared extensively during his earthly ministry.

(8) "Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, since the Kingdom of the Heavens belongs to them." Is this an oxymoron? How could one be happy, having been persecuted by others? Being persecuted for the sake of righteousness means one or more has taken a stand for what is right, keeping loyal integrity to God, and thus are showing others what is involved in pleasing God and enduring in a righteous course, in spite of pressure to do otherwise, to give in. Jehovah's reward belongs to loyal integrity-keepers. The Kingdom of the Heavens belongs to such ones, so having endured faithfully such tests, one's Christian endurance is strengthened, and he or she can happily continue and look forward to promised blessings, including the time when such tests will be greatly reduced if not eliminated.