(Thu) Added Ps119[5] Stanza 2 Commentary. Update.

THU (9:48;10:00 am) Hello! Added Ps119[5] Stanza 2 Commentary, with still more preliminary information. Update.

(Tue) Added Ps119[4] Stanza 1 Commentary, with More Preliminary Instruction.

TUE (10:56 am) Hello! Added Ps119[4] Stanza 1 Commentary, with More Preliminary Instruction.

(Thu) Added Ps119[2], Further Introduction to Commentary

THU (9:35 am) Hello! Added Ps119[2], More Intro to Commentary

TUE (9:40 am) Hello! Added Ps119 Preface

Psalm 119 or 5Psalm13

THE SPIRIT OF GENUINE PEACE. While not wanting to neglect other valuable psalms, containing many important lessons of their own, we can nevertheless still benefit from reviewing this priceless one of David, anointed to be king, having endured many years to finally receive that privileged right. Why not both--an occasional Psalm Select, or selections from the spirit-inspired psalms, along with Psalm 119, we can gain even more insight into the spirit of God, or the "goodforce" that we may receive as we love God and His word of truth, and that can stir or motivate us in the doing of God's loving will for humans. According to 1Timothy 2:3-4 that's the saving of people everywhere, as they come to an ACCURATE knowledge of the truth about God! That also thus involves the genuine peace and security God has promised and, along with prayerful pleas of the human family to God and thankful trust in Him, living in accord with His law, should be everyone's desire to be obtained. Many may not realize it, but God's word can be fulfilled in a way that allows nearly the entire human family to be preserved(!)--although many must make great strides to genuine peace. Godly instruction is thus involved. (On a sidenote, I would like to also continue the podcast of Psalm 119). For some, it may require more faith or thankful trust in God and His word. For others, it may be that comprehending godly fear or awe, and the vital spirit of true humility--a humble respect for fellow humans and God and His decisions and will--need be recognized, replacing an arrogant sense of superiority (letting it die, as it were, lacking trust in God), acknowledging How Jehovoe is still accomplishing His will for a peace-loving world, even through the corrections of those within the United States and elsewhere, desiring the happiness of the entire human family on Earth. Let's do all we can to promote such genuine peace, remaining peace-lovers as the wisdom of God teaches us to do.

Psalm 119 or 5Psalm 13

INTRODUCTION

UPCOMING COMMENTARY. As mentioned previously, Psalm 119 is an acrostic, or an alphabetic song, with each succeeding 8-verse section beginning with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet, evidently done so primarily for assistance with memorization. Evidently, the psalmist David, anointed to be king, considered the lessons of this psalm so important and helpful to all that he wanted to make it easier to remember and recall in the acrostic format. This makes 8 x 22 letters = 176 total verses. The 22 sections (of 8 verses each) can break down to 2 sets of 11, and this time I wish to modify the pattern from 4-4-3 to that I now believe was most intended, a 4-3-4 for each 11-stanza half of the psalm. Beginning with the next Psalm 119 blog post I wish to offer an overview of the first 4 sections, then consider it gradually, typically a 4-verse half-section at a time, at least twice per week, and then a review summary as well. I wish to review and revamp the commentary where appropriate. We may thus consider, by commentary, 8+ verses, of the loving and inspired work, per week. We can then proceed with the next 3 stanzas the same way, with a preview and verse-by-verse consideration, and review, then again the next 4 stanzas to complete the first 11 sections. A broader review of the first 11 sections could then be provided. This arrangement could then be repeated for the final 11 sections. Thus 4-3-4, and 4-3-4 with previews and reviews. Finally the broader reviews of each set of 11 can be shared. In this way much can be gained from this valuable psalm.

Within it there are so many things to appreciate! God reveals through the psalmist the importance of having deep love for Him and His word, and for those who could benefit from it!

There is an intriguing connection between this 119th (5#13) psalm and Psalm 19, which also highlights various aspects of God's word such as His (1)"law", (2)"reminders", (3)"orders", (4)"commandments", and (5)"judgments." These five aspects are introduced in Psalm 119 in the exact same order, although with two others inserted in between them! Psalm 19 is clearly credited to David as a melody by him, which I now believe was an earlier work, and formed a basis for much of this one, while Psalm 119 is now understood to have connections to his time while anointed to become king.

Let's notice the reading of Psalm 19:7-14, beautifully inspired of God.

"7 The law of Jehovoe is perfect, restoring strength. 

The reminder of Jehovoe is trustworthy, making the [naive] one wise.

8 The orders from Jehovoe are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice; 

The commandment of Jehovoe is clean, making the eyes shine[or, "enlightening the eyes", AMP].

9 The [godly fear, or 'awe'] of Jehovoe is pure, lasting forever. 

The judgments of Jehovoe 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.

11 By them your servant has been warned; 

In keeping them, there is a large reward.

12 Who can discern mistakes? 

Pronounce me innocent from sins I am unaware of.

13 And hold your servant back from presumptuous acts; Do not let them dominate me. 

Then I will be complete, And innocent of blatant sins.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be pleasing to you, O Jehovoe, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Altogether there are about 10 aspects of God's word or law highlighted in Psalm 119, with possibly two or more significant related values mentioned. The 5 aspects highlighted above appear in successive order in Psalm 119, with two others inserted among the first 7, those being Gods "ways" and "regulations," or , "laws of conduct." "Regulations" need to be understood as the beneficial laws governing, or regulating, our conduct so as to live and find true satisfaction within God's law, not without it. The expression "instructions" or even "lines of living" might be appropriate alternate expressions. The remaining terms are God's "word," His "saying" and His "statutes." The two related values mentioned, perhaps among others, are the "fear," or "awe" of Jehovoe and His "works." We want to come to understand each of these terms, so we can better comprehend their value in relation to God's wisdom. In the next blog post, let's have a PREVIEW of the first 4 alphabetic segments of Psalm 119, verses 1-32, beginning with a key truth, as highlighted in the first verse, that true happiness depends on walking in God's law! Verse 1 reads: "Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovoe." Is it reasonable to do so? How can we? Let's give this more attention.

PSALM 119

What stirring lessons are to be found in the 119th Psalm (5Psa.13)! Let's begin by previewing the first four stanzas. A dominant point of the first stanza is found in the first verse:

STANZA 1 THEME: HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD.

"1 Happy are those who are blameless in their way[or, "who keep integrity"], Who walk in the law of Jehovoe." Thus we will see that happiness depends on obedience to God's law. Complete righteousness, however, is only possible, as true Christians have come to know, through faith or deep trust in God, His word, Christ's example and the ransom provision of Christ's sacrifice allowing true forgiveness of sins, but all this with whole-hearted love for God, aiming for genuine obedience. (1John 5:3). Abraham's faith was "counted to him as righteousness" as he loyally walked with God. (James 2:23).

STANZA 2 THEME: BY GOD'S WORD A YOUTH CAN REMAIN MORALLY CLEAN AND PURE.

What about the second stanza? Verse 9 highlights how a young man can remain spiritually clean. This is by "keeping on guard according to [God's] word." This idea of "keeping on guard" is expressed this way in another translation: by "taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to [God's] word [conforming his life to it]." (Psalm 119:9, AMP).

STANZA 3 THEME: FONDNESS FOR GOD'S WORD VITAL FOR FAITHFULNESS.

The third stanza, covering verses 17-24, highlights how fondness for God's word is vital for faithfulness. Verse 18 pleads to God: "Open my eyes so that I may see clearly The wonderful things from your law." Christians are exhorted, at 1Peter 2:2, "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."

STANZA 4 THEME: WE CAN REMAIN FAITHFUL UNDER TRIALSOME CIRCUMSTANCES.

The fourth stanza, verses 25-32, explains that, with God's help, we can remain faithful to God even under trialsome circumstances. Verses 25,28 say: "I lie prostrate in the dust. Preserve me alive according to your word...I have been sleepless from grief. Strengthen me according to your word." In both statements the psalmist relies upon the word of God, including His promise of support. 1Corinthians 10:13 explains: "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." Still, accordingly it should be rare that we undergo an uncommon trial--as we seek to remain faithful, the truth of our sincerity and loyalty to God and others should become clear, at least in time, all trickiness aside, with hopes of wrongdoers turning around, abandoning wrong conduct, preferring God's merciful love. Such matters as these as God's word addresses will be considered more thoroughly.

Thus we have much to look forward to as we examine these and other vital points of faith. May we appreciate the lessons God offers in this psalm for our spiritual welfare and that of others, as we gain understanding and insight into such matters!

COMMENTARY OF STANZA 1, WITH MORE PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTION:

ON GOD'S NAME: Since the printing of the King James Version of God's word beginning in 1611, many began to accept the personal name of God in English as shown at Exodus 6:3 and Psalm 83:18, as JEHOVAH. However, with the ending "vah" the true meaning of God's name was still in question. It has become clearer with more careful consideration of past usage and word meanings, that a mere ending adjustment is all that's necessary to confirm the true name as JEHO'VOE, truly completing the meaning as "He Who Causes to Become." With this insight, the new short form carries the meaning "God increases." God's name in this English form was in use centuries ago. It is hoped that with this understanding, many Bible translations will consider using God's name where it appears in original Bible manuscripts, throughout God's word, in over 7,000 places, rather than "LORD" in all capitals, distinguishing it from the "Lord" Christ. As regards the only-begotten Son of God, his true name has also been misconstrued. He has a Hebrew name, which is quite disimilar to the name that became most recognized in English. Matthew's gospel actually originally used 4 Hebrew letters for his name, rather than the name evidently proposed by Caesar, with an entirely different meaning--"He Makes Wet." This is the name that eventually began to be used by copyists in the Greek Manuscripts, but was not the name his early disciples used or kept in their hearts. That name has the meaning "Jehovoe is Salvation," and is most correctly transliterated to English as "Jehoshoia," pronounced JE-HO-SHWA'. Due to the recent development of awareness of these facts, I may use both names intermittently throughout this Psalm 119 (5Psalm 13) commentary. It is yet unclear whether I will at this time re-record my podcast work to reflect this change, or merely pick up with the second half of Psalm 119. (My "Find Life And See Earview Podcast" is available on Spotify, search "find life" and Sort Oldest to Newest for this particular show. For newest releases, Sort Newest to Oldest)

STANZA 1

Theme: TRUE HAPPINESS DEPENDS ON WALKING IN GOD'S LAW

The first 8 verses contain 7 different terms used throughout this psalm. Let's examine these terms to be able to better comprehend their contribution to godly wisdom. The first few verses also show that it is possible and reasonable to keep God's law, to practice or live by it! Notice how this is worded, as we consider the first stanza in it's entirety:

"Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovoe. 2 Happy are those who observe his reminders, Who search for him with all their heart. 3 They practice no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded That your orders be carefully kept. 5 If only I could remain steadfast So as to observe your regulations! 6 Then I would not be put to shame When I consider all your commandments. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart When I learn your righteous judgments. 8 I will observe your regulations. May you never utterly forsake me."

TRUE HAPPINESS FOUND. As mentioned in our preview, an outstanding point of this stanza is that true happiness depends on walking in God's law, and true Christians do so by faith, or thankful trust, in God, His word, and Jehoshoia's (or Jesus') example and ransom provision for true forgiveness of sins with genuine repentance--turning around from an erring course (Acts 3:19). Notice the expressions here, that such ones finding happiness really do "practice no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways." Another translation says "They do no wrong but follow his ways." (Psalm 119:3, NIV). Thus it is not only possible to obey God--it is reasonable and highly rewarding to do so! May each person plead to God for a proper view of loving and serving Him obediently, His orders being "carefully kept!" A proper view of God is thus essential to growing spiritually.

Also, God's word shows that He would have, which Jehoshoia (or Jesus) should oversee, a channel of instruction, called a "faithful and discreet slave" through which spiritual food, and guidance, would be provided for the benefit of the entire Christian household on earth. (Matth 24:45-47). It is hoped that such an organization would remain faithful to God, carefully teaching in accord with God's love for all (John 3:16; 2Peter 3:9), and not 'beating his fellow slaves and eating and drinking with the confirmed drunkards.' (Matthew 24:48-51). It would be the genuine truth of God that should be promoted, clearing up any misunderstandings causing confusion among those who would be true Christians worldwide. When such an organization humbly corrects wrong teachings, it demonstrates the love that goes hand in hand with humility. While their faithfulness and obedience can be blessed by God, they most likely cannot constitute a perfect organization when largely made up of imperfect people--humility should always mark such an organization, with a willingness to make adjustments in teaching when errors, large or small, become revealed in God's way. We may pray that such a channel of instruction become and remain spiritually pure before our holy God.

Now let's begin considering at least the 10 terms mentioned in verses 1-16, starting with the first 7.

Verse 1 reads this way:

"Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovoe."

"THE LAW OF JEHOVOE" Verse 1 mentions God's LAW, which can be defined as a singular custom or practice of a community, or a rule of conduct prescribed and enforced by a controlling authority. In verse 1, however, reference is made, not to a single law, but rather to the whole body of such customs, practices, or rules. Psalm 19:7 says "The LAW of Jehovoe is perfect, restoring strength."

Verse 2: "Happy are those who observe his reminders, Who search for him with all their heart."

GOD'S REMINDERS. Verse 2 speaks of God's REMINDERS. Peter said, at 2Peter 1:12-13,15: "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.13 But I consider it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you with reminders,...15 I will always do my utmost so that after my departure, you may be able to recall these things for yourselves." so God's REMINDERS assist our memory of God's truth and good guidance, to be better able to apply it to our life. Often this requires hearing something more than just once! So may we not fall into the trap of complaining when we hear something more than once--we need these, to ponder how to apply them in our lives! "The REMINDER of Jehovoe is trustworthy, making the imprudent one wise." (Psalm 19:7).

"3 They practice no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways."

TRULY FAITHFUL PRACTICES. Verse 3 mentions walking in God's WAYS. Clearly, God has ways of doing things, and if possible, we want to do things God's way--we can be happy to know the way God wants us to do something--He sees the big picture, and long-range view, and thus knows the best way to do things! Thus, David writes, at Psalm 37:34, "Hope in Jehovoe and follow his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth..." This verse thus indicates that we really can learn to live by God's peaceable and loving standards, according to His ways. And we might be reminded that the ransom sacrifice, to be expounded more in this psalm's commentary, makes possible a clean standing with God even when there is yet a lot to learn about Him and His ways.

"4 You have commanded That your orders be carefully kept."

GOD'S ORDERS--CAREFULLY KEPT. Verse 4 speaks of God's ORDERS to be "carefully kept." Recall Psalm 19:8 says "The ORDERS from Jehovoe are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice." Clearly a command to do or avoid something, evidently with even more urgency or zeal than a command or commandment. We should therefore likewise acknowledge the term of a "God-order," meaning an order eminating from the ultimate Source of authority--the true God, Jehovoe.

"5 If only I could remain steadfast So as to observe your regulations!"

GOD'S REGULATIONS. Verse 5 mentions observing God's REGULATIONS. These are defined as authoritative, and sometimes detailed, rules or procedures, given to regulate or control a body, an organization or system. In this context, they need to be understood as the beneficial laws and guidelines governing, or regulating, our conduct so as to live and find true satisfaction within God's law, not without it. In Scripture, when in the plural, this term has been more simply translated as INSTRUCTIONS. However, the expression "LINES OF LIVING" may capture even more closely the essence of the term.

"6 Then I would not be put to shame When I consider all your commandments."

GOD'S COMMANDMENTS. Verse 6 speaks of God's COMMANDMENTS. Something commanded, or required to either do or avoid. Psalm 19:8 says "The commandment of the Jehovoe is clean, making the eyes shine [or, "enlightening the eyes."--AMP]. God's commandments preserve our purity before God, making it possible to serve Him acceptably and see things clearly, with keen spiritual vision.

"7 I will praise you with an upright heart When I learn your righteous judgments."

WORTHY JUDGMENTS. Verse 7 mentions God's righteous JUDGMENTS. These are evaluations formed by discerning and comparing or contrasting. His evaluations and decisions should be respected and appreciated, and often much can be learned from them. They are "true, altogether worthy." (Psalm 19:9).

"8 I will observe your [instructions]. May you never utterly forsake me."

GOD'S "LINES OF LIVING." God's regulations, or now restoring "instructions" as the most appropriate alternative one-word term, involve the everyday lines of conduct we should recognize to promote genuine peace and happiness, with a loving, unselfish motive. May we come to recognize these instructions, or "lines of living" as highly valuable for life under the Kingdom of God. Thus we have seven of at least ten terms highlighted throughout Psalm 119 (5Ps13). Thinking about these with a view to comprehending or understanding them will help you make more sense of our consideration of this Psalm in the days ahead, and may help you grow in godly discernment, understanding, and wisdom!

STANZA 2

THEME FOR STANZA 2: BY GOD'S WORD A YOUTH CAN REMAIN MORALLY CLEAN OR PURE.

As mentioned in the preview, an outstanding point of this stanza is that by God's word a youth can remain morally clean or pure. This was by "keeping on guard according to [God's] word." Let's first consider the 3 remaining terms of the 10 that are found in verses 9, 11, and 16. These refer to God's (1) word, (2) saying, and (3) statutes.

Clearly God's WORD refers to His expressions, or the entirety of them, whether found in the Bible, or given through any chosen channel of communication, such as through His servant Moses, the true prophets, or His Son, Jehoshoia or Jesus. Such a spokesperson may be considered a "mouthpiece" of God. His Son said, at Matthew 4:4, "...Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovoe's mouth." So it involves our very life to give attention to God's word regularly, as we do nourishing physical food.

God's SAYING refers similarly to an expression of God, evidently something especially cherished or remembered. Proverbs 16:24 says "Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones."

Also, God's STATUTES are mentioned, as something we should be fond of, helping us not to forget God's word. As used in the Scriptures, reference is several times made to a "lasting statute," meaning a law that held special permanence or longevity among all of God's laws. For instance, the day Israel had left Egypt en-route to the Promised Land, God said, at Exodus 12:14: "“‘This day will serve as a memorial for you, and you must celebrate it as a festival to Jehovoe throughout your generations. As a lasting statute, you should celebrate it." The day has even carried over into Christianity, as the Memorial of Christ's death, similar to Good Friday, as the Passover lamb foreshadowed Christ's sacrificial death. Accordingly, at Numbers 9:14, God says, in reference to commemorating the Passover sacrifice: "...There should exist one statute for you, both for the foreign resident and for the native of the land." On one occasion, God added a "statute" to the existing law code, when requiring that no one enter the Holy compartment of the tabernacle "drinking wine or other alcoholic beverages." He then said "It is a permanent statute for your generations." Thus Jehovoe may have set a precedent in allowing statutes to be added to the Mosaic Law when circumstances necessitated it. Such laws should always support and prove to be in agreement with God's laws and standards, never contributing to their violation. That was not the case with many of the traditions of Pharisees and others during the earthly ministry of God's Son, which he showed were teaching people to do things in violation of God's written word. (Mark 7:9-13).

At least now we've considered the ten or so terms repeated throughout Psalm 119, which will help us grasp the meaning and significance of the many expressions we'll find. May we look forward to such rewarding study, remembering to seek God's spirit as we examine such things each day, for His blessing and guidance on our spiritual intake!

Now let's proceed with a verse-by-verse commentary of this Stanza 2, (St.2:1-8) 5Psalm 13:9-16:

The theme, again, is: BY GOD'S WORD A YOUTH CAN REMAIN MORALLY CLEAN OR PURE.

"9 How can a young man keep his path clean? By keeping on guard according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you. Do not let me stray from your commandments. 11 In my heart I treasure up your saying So that I may not sin against you. 12 May you be praised, O Jehovoe; Teach me your instructions (or, regulations). 13 With my lips I declare All the judgments that you have spoken. 14 I rejoice over your reminders More than over all other valuable things. 15 I will ponder over your orders And keep my eyes on your paths. 16 I am fond of your statutes. I will not forget your word."

"9 How can a young man keep his path clean? By keeping on guard according to your word."

KEEPING ON GUARD. Young children are often safeguarded by parents and other responsible ones from much of the spiritual filth or contamination that threatens to degrade the morality and spirituality of the naive lacking the understanding and foresight to realize the danger of such things. Proverbs 22:3 says: "The prudent one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the naive keep right on going and suffer the consequences." As these precious children grow, they should be helped to gain enough prudence to be aware and cautious of spiritual pitfalls that have been common during "critical times hard to deal with." (2Timo 3:1). While loving people, they will still need to guard their associations from "bad company" that "corrupts good character." (1Cori 15:33, NIV; 2Timo 3:2-5). Thus, how can a young man keep his path clean? The answer is expressed this way in AMP: "By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it]." God's word, including the book of Proverbs, contains much divine instruction that can assist all to protect their spirit from ruin. May we treasure Christian teachings and guidance toward God's reward of eternal life, peace, and happiness!

"10 With my whole heart I seek you. Do not let me stray from your commandments."

LOVING GOD WITH ONE'S "WHOLE HEART" Yes, especially in this world fraught with spiritual danger, do we need to rely upon Jehovoe each day, seeking His guidance and direction, trusting Him to know what's best for us! The psalmist treasured his relationship with God, and sought Him with his "whole heart." Jehoshoia (or Jesus) said it was the greatest and first commandment of the Mosaic Law, to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and might. The apostle John writes, at 1John 5:3, that "this is what the love of God means, that we observe His commandments. Yet his commandments are not burdensome." Thus the psalmist pleads that God help him not to stray from His commandments. Shoia said the second commandment, like the first, was to love one's neighbor as oneself. Then he said: "On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets." May we thus seek to grasp this love for God, desiring to please Him, in response to His great love for us!

"11 In my heart I treasure up your saying So that I may not sin against you."

TREASURING GOD'S SAYINGS. Regarding helping us remain clean before God, verse 11 holds a key--treasuring God's saying, to avoid sinning against Him. Shoia said, at Matthew 7:24, "“Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock." In God's word are found many motivating expressions helping us remain faithful to God, as we ponder them, endeavoring to see how to live by them each day. These sayings need to affect, not only our speech, but also our actions. It is not always enough simply to know God's standards, we need to develop heart appreciation for them, perhaps with shrewdness or prudence to see the blessings and rewards of choosing the right course, and some of the problems and troubles caused by choosing poorly. Thus we can more readily "hate what is bad" and choose a good path. (Psalm 97:10; Prove 2:20-22).

"12 May you be praised, O Jehovoe; Teach me your instructions."

TEACH ME. Who is worthy of such praise or honor more than the progenitor of the human family, and Creator of this incredible universe and planet, and every good thing contained therein and upon. James 1:17 refers to God as the giver of "Every good gift and every perfect present." At Revelation 4:11, a heavenly group exuberantly states: "“You are worthy, Jehovoe our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they came into existence and were created.” Acknowledging God's right to such glory, the psalmist next expresses desire to be taught God's good instructions governing human conduct--in other words, His "beneficial bounds," "rules of conduct," or "lines of living." James counsels, at James 1:5, "So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him." Thus may our requests to God be regular, especially to understand and apply, or live by, His guidance in life, thus growing in our relationship with Him and with others, pleasing our loving God and Father, Jehovoe, and strengthening our hope of an endless life in true peace and happiness!

"13 With my lips I declare All the judgments that you have spoken."

VALUE GOD'S TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS. The psalmist recognizes the value of Jehovoe's judgments, as much can be learned from them. Psalm 19:9 says of these: "The judgments of Jehovoe are true, altogether righteous." Thus His evaluations of matters can be counted upon, and learned from. While we usually think of God's judgments as regards situations involving right or wrong conduct, we should also trust God's judgments as to what truly is and isn't important in life. When it comes to the situations mentioned, Jehovoe's judgments often emphasize His mercy and understanding toward His precious human creation, He looking for the causes of wrong behavior, rather than being quick to condemn. Still, He cannot condone evil, or wrong behavior, as we should ever appreciate His loving counsel, corrections and warnings, so as to live and act in harmony with His right standards, contributing toward the genuine peace and happiness of all humans. Such is the way of eternity!

"14 I rejoice over your reminders More than over all other valuable things."

FINDING DELIGHT IN GOD'S REMINDERS. What a fine statement of appreciation for God's loving reminders. His word outlines certain reminders that Christians should receive on a regular basis, to assist recall of all of God's instructions for living. How significant, that the psalmist not only knows these are important, but considers them so highly that he delights in them "more than all other valuable things!" It is God who provides His holy spirit to genuine Christians, the fruitage of which includes the quality of "joy"--a deep seated satisfaction we find in serving Jehovoe faithfully. Nehemiah speaks of the "joy of Jehovoe" as being a stronghold for His people. As we consider God's word regularly, may we come to find such delight in serving Jehovoe, and being reminded of the important instructions He provides for our everlasting happiness!

"15 I will ponder over your orders And keep my eyes on your paths."

KEEPING GOD'S ORDERS. God's orders are special commands that God considers so serious or important now that He essentially demands they be kept by those so ordered to do so. We should appreciate the sincere and loving motive of Jehovoe in giving such orders, as Psalm 19:8 says: "The orders from Jehovoe are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice." By keeping such orders from Jehovoe, we thus find heartfelt joy in the conduct God requires of His people everywhere. Recognizing the importance of this, then, the psalmist states he "will ponder over" God's orders. He thus makes time to reflect on these, considering the reasons for them so as to understand and discern their importance, thereby placing them high on his list of priorities in life. Also, the psalmist states that he will keep his eyes on God's paths. Thus, God's ways of doing things, as often outlined in His word, are the best ways of handling matters, as can be seen by examining them in the light of truth and what is right.

"16 I am fond of your statutes. I will not forget your word."

FONDNESS FOR GOD'S STATUTES. Jehovoe's statutes, as discussed previously, evidently are serious laws of a certain permanence among the people of God, and that may help adherents in some way to understand or recall other laws and commands. We should therefore be "fond" of such overriding laws, appreciating the reasons for them, like the psalmist. Having such fondness, he therefore states "I will not forget your word." Can you think of some of the more serious of Christian commands that stand out with seriousness and permanence? We should use the quality of discernment to recognize the difference between the more serious sins, and lesser ones, though still required to avoid. And we should then take steps to help ensure that we never violate especially the most serious of God's laws, with appreciation for the love of God which underscores all of them.