Psalm 119:97-103 Niv

When we first read these verses, they sound like the words of an immature braggart or a full grown egotist. In fact, we might almost be surprised to find such boasts in the Bible. They seem rather sub-Christian.

However, as we study the verses more closely, we find a key that removes the difficulty. The psalmist gives a reason for his superior understanding. He says, "… for thy testimonies are my meditation." In other words, he is saying that he has more understanding than all his...

Even the words of a fellow-creature of earth, how inexpressibly sweet sometimes, how beyond all calculation precious! All gold and silver would be despised in comparison with them. They come freighted with something as dear as life, with love, and the heart is enriched with them as though the breath of God had come into it. But does not this rainbow of earthly joy die gradually out? Do not the enrapturing words sooner or later become exsiccated in the memory, and may they not meet with...

How precious… are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You. § How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! § Your love is better than wine.Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. § You are fairer than the sons of men.Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, so is my beloved among...

Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. § Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. § I sat down in his shade with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. § I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart. § My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.The statutes of the Lord are...

You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. § Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you.My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His...

Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth. § The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing.How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word … Your word has given me life … Your word I have hidden in my...

Therefore take heed how you hear. § Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. § Above all, [take] the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble … How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to...