UPDATE: My apologies again for being detained in issuing the completed blog today--while much has been interfering with my usual timeliness as from days past, soon I should be back on track, preparing ahead of time if necessary to give you wise and informative instruction leading to the eternal happiness of all. | Welcome! I'm aiming to have this ready by Noon EDT. Also, my name is returning to Joshua M. Campbell-Elanemy. Further explanation will be provided then. For now, most truly knowing my genuine thoughts and feelings for my mom and dad who so compassionately and lovingly assisted in raising me under God's care, would shiver at any claim that I didn't or somehow don't dearly love them still. God miraculously had provided a natural birth through Elanemy and Campbell lines among others, that still made the Elanemy genes more dominant than the Campbell genes. I say further that it was a half-sister that I had growing up. Let's consider Psalm 119 stanza 9, and more of Proverbs 4.


PSALM 119 STANZA 9

The theme for stanza 9 is: GOD’S DISCIPLINE IS GOOD FOR US, HELPING US TREASURE HIS PRICELESS LAW.

Verses 65-68 read this way: “65 You have dealt well with your servant, O Jehovah, according to your word. 66 Teach me good sense and knowledge, For I have put my trust in your commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted, I used to go astray, But now I keep your saying. 68 You are good and your works are good. Teach me your regulations.”

Verse 65: You have dealt well with your servant, O Jehovah, according to your word.

JEHOVAH'S GOODNESS, LOYALTY. Psalm 119:65 How thankful we can be to be able to know God’s personality and ways by means of His written word, the Bible. The psalmist acknowledges in his experience that God fully acts in harmony with it, dealing with him just as His word explains. For instance, Psalm 86:5 says of Jehovah: “ 5 For you, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive; You abound in loyal love for all those who call on you.” And Psalm 18:25 says: “25 With someone loyal you act in loyalty; With the blameless man you deal blamelessly.” May we appreciate God’s fair and just dealings with mankind, not blaming Him for things that aren’t truly His responsibility. Recall our perfect ancestors, at Satan's instigation, left God’s divine favor and blessing, choosing for all their descendants a world of much ungodly human experimentation, with sin, sickness, and death. (Genesis 3). We still feel the effects of that decision, but God’s Kingdom has begun to bring relief, and is poised to usher in greater blessings in accord with God’s will to fulfill His original purpose toward humans. Perhaps those with ruling authority may submit themselves to the wise guidance of God’s word, supportive of God’s incoming Kingdom, and thereby support the happiness and everlasting life prospects of all those under their care!

Verse 66: Teach me good sense and knowledge, For I have put my trust in your commandments.

GAINING "GOOD SENSE." Psalm 119:66 The psalmist places his trust in God’s commandments, which Psalm 19 says are “clean,” and “enlighten the eyes.” [Psalm 19:8, AMP]. Thus by heeding them one is better able to see and discern Bible truth, and acquire “good sense and knowledge.” It was Abigail that David commended for showing “good sense” by interceding for her senseless husband, Nabal, who cursed and faulted righteous David, who had done him no wrong. She prepared food and other provisions for David’s men, at his request. God judged Nabal adversely for his gross disrespect. Thus, “good sense” moves one to act wisely, make good judgments, recognizing priorities with a sound mind, and using knowledge judiciously, and with a loving motive. The psalmist requested God to teach him such qualities, on the basis of his proper regard for God’s commandments. Likewise, we too can make such a request, in harmony with James 1:5-6, as God is generous to share true wisdom to any who are lacking, and who ask in faith, with deep trust in God’s desire and willingness to help.

Verse 67: Before I was afflicted, I used to go astray, But now I keep your saying.

SPARED HEARTACHE. Psalm 119:67 God may have allowed the psalmist to face difficulties so that he might learn obedience, as did Christ, through “the things he suffered.” (Hebre 5:8). Adherence to God’s law spares us much heartache and trouble from the consequences of wrongdoing. The psalmist here learned the lesson, and came to appreciate the value of God’s loving guidance and correction.

Verse 68: You are good and your works are good. Teach me your [instructions].

EVIDENCE OF GOD'S LOVE. Psalm 119:68 Thus, Jehovah’s works are in harmony with His personality—they are a manifestation of His great love, wisdom, power, and sense of justice. His primary quality, according to His word, is love. While God HAS the other qualities, it is only love that He IS. (1John 4:8,16). Therefore, we can expect His works, past, present, and future to primarily manifest this quality. Can we not see this in God’s works of creation? The way humans have been made ‘in God’s image,’ to be able to think, reason, draw conclusions, work with our hands, move with our feet, laugh, and enjoy living—can we not appreciate our Great Designer? How much work would teams of scientists and engineers have to do to design and create a robot that could do all the things humans are capable of doing? Could it really just come about by chance? What about all that went into the animal creation, with the delightful experiences of watching kittens or puppies at play, seeing squirrels or other acrobatic creatures amaze us with their feats of skill, witnessing a bird’s talented flight or listening to birdsong? What about the sights and aromas of beautiful flowers or blossoming trees in springtime? Then being able to share such times with friends and loved ones, delighting in conversation over meals and other enjoyable activities—can our appreciation and love for God not continue to grow as we contemplate His uncountably numerous kindnesses manifested toward the human family? Yes, Jehovah is good and His works are good! Like the psalmist, may we thus be moved to willingly learn from God even His detailed guidance for us, that we may know how to live and support the doing of His will and good purpose.


Verses 69-72 read like this: “69 The presumptuous smear me with lies, But I observe your orders with all my heart. 70 Their heart is insensitive, But I am fond of your law. 71 It is good that I have been afflicted, So that I may learn your regulations. 72 The law that you have proclaimed is good for me, More so than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.”

Verse 69: The presumptuous smear me with lies, But I observe your orders with all my heart.

RECOGNIZE GOD'S ORDERS. Psalm 119:69 Recall the “presumptuous” arrogantly ignore due limits, presuming authority they have no right to. In this case, they brazenly commit the same sin that Satan used to bring misery to the human family in the Garden of Eden, the “Park of Pleasure” God wanted our first parents to oversee the spread of in the making of an earth-wide Paradise. Satan chose to slander God, smearing Him with lies. He spoke to Eve as if God was lying to her about the results of eating from the tree God warned them against. God always has good reason when warning humans against something, if we only trust Him. The “knowledge of good and evil” has not brought mankind the happiness Satan claimed it would, while time has shown that God’s way of truth, upholding what is good and right is truly the most beneficial course in life, as the psalmist recognizes. Despite the lies used against him, he whole-heartedly clings to God’s orders. May we appreciate especially God’s most serious and urgent commands, that we may maintain keen spiritual vision in spite of opposers.

Verse 70: Their heart is insensitive, But I am fond of your law.

HATING BADNESS, PURSUE GOOD. Psalm 119:70 The heart of such presumptuous ones is callous, unfeeling toward others, largely void of compassion as to the feelings of those they hurt, or of God himself. Spurred on by wrong desire, such things as selfishness, greed, and jealousy foster little regard for others, and can lead to hateful actions, such as the slanderous attacks mentioned by the psalmist. They should be checking and assessing their wrong desires, in line with the principle stated in God’s word at Proverbs 10:2 “The treasures gained by wickedness will be of no benefit, But righteousness is what rescues from death.” Thus, all should learn to hate such badness, that brings no lasting benefit nor God’s blessing. Recall Proverbs 10:22 which says “It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, And He adds no pain with it.” How much better to look for the blessing of God on our activities, by pursuing right and good desires, benefitting others and ourselves, and to become truly “rich” with endless rewards. We can thus develop a fondness for God’s word and law, in harmony with His love, that encourages good traits, such as compassion, kindness, and mercy.

Verse 71: It is good that I have been afflicted, So that I may learn your [instructions].

GOD'S LAW A PROTECTION . Psalm 119:71 Similar to verse 67, the psalmist looks back on times of difficulty, as disciplining him toward godly obedience. He came to recognize God’s law as a protection from the stain and pain of wrong conduct. He learned God’s regulations, or detailed guidance, that he might keep it, finding and maintaining God’s approval, favor, and blessing. Happily, Jehovah can forgive past error, even making such mistakes “white like snow.” (Isaiah 1:18). Still, there can be consequences that ones have to live with for serious transgressions, just as David suffered many family troubles for his sins. How much better to appreciate God’s goodness, accepting His loving correction to begin with, choosing to live in accord with His standards!

_______
Proverbs 4:20-23:

"20 My son, pay attention to my words; Listen carefully to my sayings. 21 Do not lose sight of them; Keep them deep within your heart, 22 For they are life to those who find them And health to their whole body. 23 Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life."

Prove 4:20-22 God and parents can say a lot, but if we aren't listening well, how will we benefit? We are to "pay" attention. When we pay money, for instance, we're giving up something. To "pay" attention, we have to give up concentrating on other things to focus on the one speaking, or the words of God we're reading or hearing. If you don't really pay genuine money for that steak dinner, someone may come looking for you. Let's not pretend to "pay attention"--let's really give up other things to genuinely concentrate on what's more important, to "listen carefully!" Jesus said at Luke 8:18: "Pay attention to how you listen, for whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he imagines he has will be taken away from him." To truly comprehend what we're hearing, we need to cultivate genuine understanding and discernment, to put things in proper place in our minds and hearts, and judge between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, and so on. Otherwise, what we hear may be going "in one ear and out the other!" Of what value is this? Once we have these things in our heart, we should keep them there, treasuring the spiritual insight and direction that God and parents may give, as this can lead us to eternal life and good health both spiritually and perhaps with time, physically. (Job 33:25). Such things are actually worth paying "more than the usual attention!" (Hebre 2:1).


"23 Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life."

Prove 4:23 One of the values of God's word is it helps us gain a proper view of priorities, which gives us "soundness of mind." What do you seek to protect in life? What is so important to you that you would guard it with everything you have? God tells us here that it is our heart that we should safeguard "above all the things that you guard." This would certainly include our relationship with God, whom we are to love with our "whole heart." (Matth 22:37). Our figurative heart is primarily our entire spiritual being, our qualities, values, and viewpoints, as we see things from God's perspective. Especially our integrity to God and His ways should be preserved. The things of the spirit are related to our mental faculties. The two, heart and mind, are at times separated to clarify that one could have knowledge without affecting his heart and real behavior, thus setting him up for an unfavorable course of deception, needing serious help from God to correct. Therefore, we should ponder what we're learning from others, from God or parents, to truly see how to live according to what we're learning. Then the words of Proverbs 27:11 may ring true in our case, where God says "Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me." Satan has been the primary liar, deceiver and taunter of God, but all who truly appreciate God's way, the way of the truth, and seek to live by it, oppose his evil and give Jehovah evidence that His way promotes genuine happiness among His human creation.

_______
Proverbs 4:24-27:
“24 Put crooked speech away from you, And keep devious talk far away from you. 25 Your eyes should look straight ahead, Yes, fix your gaze straight ahead of you. 26 Smooth out the course of your feet, And all your ways will be sure. 27 Do not incline to the right or the left. Turn your feet away from what is bad.”


"24 Put crooked speech away from you, And keep devious talk far away from you."

Prove 4:24 Crooked, or twisted, speech would not be entirely honest or straightforward—thus usually spoken with a hidden motive, such as wrong desire. This speech is to be put “away from” us, while “devious talk far away.” This speech also has wrong motive, but deviates from a right, lawful course, and is especially cunning, said with intention of hiding the truth. We should learn to hate all such speech, as trust is based on sincere honesty and straightforwardness. Parents should especially keep guard on their young one’s close associations, including TV personalities. Parents need to help their young ones appreciate trust and honesty, being willing to answer their questions honestly, though according to their age or development. As challenging as it may be, parents should not give the impression that the child should totally stop asking them questions—at certain times they may be especially inquisitive. Wouldn’t you rather be the one they turn to for answers, rather than someone else, who may not be truthful or have their best interests at heart? Still, parents might gradually help their child learn to discern the difference between important questions and lesser ones, as they continue to grow in their vital understanding of things.


"25 Your eyes should look straight ahead, Yes, fix your gaze straight ahead of you."

Prove 4:25 Yes, we should walk straightforwardly, and keep our eyes on the path ahead, avoiding the distractions that may appear to our left or right. We should be on the path leading us to eternal life in true peace and happiness. We will then practically be able to go anywhere and do anything in harmony with God’s right standards, finding such delight in company with our marriage partner and dear friends. Even the near future will bring enjoyable work, cooperating with friends and loved ones to clean up this earth and turn it into a veritable Paradise, ready for the return of those who have died, being able to welcome our ancestors and encourage them to remain for life everlasting. We have much to look forward to, so may we delight in the gifts of God we may enjoy daily while we endeavor to work at what is good now, doing God’s will to the extent possible, helping as many as we can to learn the truth of God, to turn from wrong ways and habits. In our personal lives, looking ahead will help equip us for challenges we may be soon be facing, or that our children will soon face...


"26 Smooth out the course of your feet, And all your ways will be sure."

Prove 4:26 Thus let’s help our children prepare for what lies ahead, assisting them to grow in divine knowledge and wisdom to learn how to make good decisions daily, keeping God in mind—decisions that parents can take delight in! By growing in such knowledge, and taking it to heart by pondering it’s application to our daily lives, we may make it easier to walk a straight path, and “smooth out the course of our feet.” To fully do this, we need to gain the qualities of divine wisdom, such as understanding, discernment, shrewdness, and the healthy fear of Jehovah, which “means the hating of bad.” As we grow in such qualities, and “trust in Jehovah with all” our heart, taking Him into account in all we do, then all our “ways will be sure.” (Prove 3:5-7).


"27 Do not incline to the right or the left. Turn your feet away from what is bad.”

Prove 4:27 In this world many distractions are dangled in front of us on a daily basis. Suggestions to pursue this or that, often with an emphasis on pleasure or material gain, are almost constantly before us. Sometimes we may receive a beneficial lead to something we truly need or that is of real value. But scams are commonplace. May we keep a focused eye on our family’s lasting happiness, and our sincere service to God. Especially should we avoid pursuit of “what is bad,” in the respectful fear of Jehovah. Let’s help our family to “hate what is bad,” seeing the rotten fruitage of badness—the problems, headaches, heartaches, and the like that it leads to, away from lasting happiness and eternal life. Help them keep God close in mind and heart, treasuring their relationship with Him. Psalm 97:10 says “10 O you who love Jehovah, hate what is bad. He is guarding the lives of his loyal ones; He rescues them from the hand of the wicked.”