1Álef. Šťastní, jejichž cesta je bez úhony, ti, kteří kráčejí v Jahvově zákoně! 2Šťastní, kdo dodržují jeho svědectví a kdo ho z celého srdce hledají 3a kdo nepáchajíce zlo kráčejí po jeho cestách! 4Ty vyhlašuješ své předpisy, mají se zachovávat v úplnosti. 5Kéž se mé cesty utvrdí, abych zachovával tvou vůli. 6Pak nebudu nijak zahanben, když opět spatřím všechna tvá přikázání. 7Upřímným srdcem ti budu vzdávat díky, poučen o tvých spravedlivých soudech. 8Tvou vůli chci zachovávat, neopouštěj mě nadobro. 9Bét. Jak má mladík uchovat svou cestu čistou? Zachováváním tvého slova. 10Z celého srdce hledám tebe, od tvých přikázání se neodchyluji. 11V srdci jsem uchoval tvé sliby, abych vůči tobě nijak nepochybil. 12Jsi tak požehnaný, Jahve, pouč mě o své vůli! 13Svými rty jsem vyjmenoval všechny soudy tvých úst. 14Nad cestou tvého svědectví se raduji více než nad jakýmkoli bohatstvím. 15O tvých předpisech chci rozjímat a hledět na tvé stezky. 16Ve tvé vůli nalézám své potěšení, nezapomínám na slovo tvé. 17Gimel. Buď dobrotivý k svému služebníku a budu živ, budu zachovávat tvé slovo. 18Otevři mi oči: budu hledět na divy tvého zákona. 19Jsem přece na zemi cizincem, neskrývej mi tedy svá přikázání. 20Má duše se v každé době stravuje touhou po tvých soudech. 21Svaluješ vinu na pyšné, prokleté, kteří překračují tvá přikázání. 22Zbav mě urážky a pohrdání, neboť já dodržuji tvé svědectví. 23Ať si zasedají a mluví proti mně knížata, tvůj služebník rozjímá o tvé vůli. 24Tvé svědectví, to jsou mé slasti, tvá vůle - moji rádcové. 25Dálet. Má duše přilnula k prachu, oživ mě podle svého slova. 26Vypočítávám své cesty, ty mi odpovídáš, pouč mě o své vůli. 27Dej, ať porozumím cestě tvých předpisů, o tvých divech budu rozjímat. 28Má duše se rozplývá v zármutku, pozdvihni mě podle svého slova. 29Odvrať mě od cesty lži, dej mi milost svého zákona. 30Zvolil jsem cestu pravdy, podřizuji se tvým soudům. 31Přimykám se ke tvému svědectví, Jahve, kéž mě nezklameš. 32Běžím po cestě tvých přikázání, vždyť tys dal mému srdci volnost. 33Hé. Pouč mě, Jahve, o cestě své vůle, chci si ji ponechat jako odměnu. 34Dej, ať porozumím a ať dodržuji tvůj zákon, ať ho zachovávám z celého srdce. 35Veď mě na cestu svých přikázání, neboť tam je mé potěšení. 36Nakloň mé srdce k svému svědectví a nikoli k zisku. 37Osvoboď mé oči od nicotných obrazů, oživ mě svým slovem. 38Dodrž svůj slib svému služebníku, aby panovala bázeň před tebou. 39Osvoboď mě od urážky, jež mě děsí, tvé soudy jsou vítány. 40Hle, toužil jsem po tvých předpisech, oživ mě svou spravedlností. 41Vav. Ať ke mně přijde tvá láska, Jahve, tvá spása, jak jsi slíbil! 42Ať slovem pohotově odpovídám na urážku, neboť spoléhám na tvé slovo. 43Neodnímej mi z úst slovo pravdy, vždyť doufám ve tvé soudy. 44Budu tvůj zákon zachovávat bez oddechu, navždy a na věky. 45Budu si volně kráčet, vždyť vyhledávám tvé předpisy. 46Před králi promluvím o tvém svědectví a nebudu se vůbec hanbit. 47Tvá přikázání mi byla slastí, velice jsem si je zamiloval. 48Vztahuji ruce k tvým přikázáním, jež miluji, o tvé vůli rozjímám. 49Zajin. Rozpomeň se na slovo dané svému služebníku, jímž jsi mi dal naději. 50To je má útěcha v bídě: oživuje mě tvůj slib. 51Pyšní se mi po libosti posmívali, já jsem v tvém zákoně neochabl. 52Připomínám si tvé dávné soudy, Jahve, a utěšuji se. 53Zmocňuje se mě hněv nad bezbožnými, kteří opouštějí tvůj zákon. 54Tvá vůle je pro mne písní, tam, kde přebývám jako cizinec. 55V noci si připomínám tvé jméno, Jahve, a zachovávám tvůj zákon. 56Pro mne platí toto: dodržování tvých předpisů. 57Chet. Mým údělem, Jahve, jak jsem řekl, je zachovávání tvých slov. 58Z celého srdce chci obměkčit tvou tvář, slituj se nade mnou, jak jsi slíbil! 59Přemítám o svých cestách a vracím se k tvému svědectví. 60Spěšně a bez prodlení zachovávám tvá přikázání. 61Sítě bezbožníků mě obkličují, nezapomínám na tvůj zákon. 62Vstávám o půlnoci a vzdávám ti díky za tvé spravedlivé soudy, 63vždyť jsem spojencem všech, kdo se tě bojí a dodržují tvé předpisy. 64Tvá láska, Jahve, naplňuje zemi, pouč mě o své vůli. 65Tet. Prokázal jsi svému služebníku dobro, Jahve, podle svého slova. 66Nauč mě rozvaze a vědění, vždyť mám víru ve tvá přikázání. 67Dokud jsem nebyl zkrušen, bloudil jsem, nyní si hledím tvého slibu. 68Ty, dobrotivý a dobře činící, pouč mě o své vůli. 69Pyšní mě klamou lží, já celým srdcem dodržuji tvé předpisy. 70Necitelné je jejich srdce, jako ze sádla, pro mne je slastí tvůj zákon. 71Je pro mne k dobrému, jsem-li zarmoucen, abych se poučil o tvé vůli. 72Je pro mne k dobrému zákon z tvých úst, víc než miliony ve zlatě a stříbře. 73Jod. Tvé ruce mě učinily a upevnily, dej mi porozumění, naučím se tvým přikázáním. 74Kdo se tě bojí, vídá mě s radostí, neboť doufám ve tvé slovo. 75Vím, Jahve, že spravedlivé jsou tvé soudy, žes mě zkrušil právem. 76Ať je mi útěchou tvá láska, jak jsi to slíbil svému služebníku! 77Ať mě potká tvá něžná láska, a budu žít, neboť tvůj zákon je pro mne slastí. 78Hanba pyšným, kteří mě zavalují lží! Já rozjímám o tvých předpisech. 79Ať se ke mně přikloní, kdo se tě bojí a kdo znají tvé svědectví! 80Ať je mé srdce bez vady, jde-li o tvou vůli, pak nebudu zahanben. 81Kaf. Až do konce půjde má duše za tvou spásou, doufám ve tvé slovo. 82Až do konce mé oči za tvým slibem, kdy mě utěšíš? 83Podobám se měchu vystavenému kouři, a přece nezapomínám na tvou vůli. 84Jak dlouhé budou dny tvého služebníka, kdy budeš soudit mé pronásledovatele? 85Pyšní mi hloubí jámy v rozporu s tvým zákonem. 86Pravdou jsou všechna tvá přikázání: pomoz mi, když mě pronásleduje lež. 87Málem už se mnou na této zemi skoncovali, a přesto tvé předpisy neopustím. 88Dle své lásky mě oživuj, budu dodržovat svědectví tvých úst. 89Lámed. Navěky, Jahve, tvé slovo, neměnné na nebesích; 90od věků do věků tvá pravda, upevnil jsi zemi, ona trvá. 91Vše dodnes trvá podle tvých soudů, neboť všechno ti slouží. 92Kdyby tvůj zákon pro mne nebyl slastí, dávno bych zahynul v bídě. 93Nikdy nezapomenu na tvé předpisy, ty mě jimi oživuješ. 94Jsem tvůj, zachraň mě, vyhledávám tvé předpisy. 95Číhají na mne bezbožníci, aby mě zahubili, já však chápu tvé svědectví. 96Dohlédl jsem na konec každé dokonalosti: jak nedohledné je tvé přikázání! 97Mém. Jak miluji tvůj zákon! Po celý den o něm rozjímám. 98Moudřejším mě činíš nad mé nepřátele svým přikázáním, je stále u mne. 99Více důvtipu mám než všichni mí učitelé, o tvém svědectví rozjímám. 100Více porozumění mám než všichni starci, dodržuji všechny tvé předpisy. 101Od každé zlé cesty chráním své kroky, abych zachovával tvé slovo. 102Od tvých soudů se neodvracím, protože mě učíš ty. 103Jak sladký je na mém ponebí tvůj slib, nad med sladší v mých ústech! 104Tvé předpisy mi dávají chápavost a nenávidím každou cestu lži. 105Nún. Svítilnou pro mé kroky je tvé slovo, světlem na mé cestě. 106Zachovávám, co jsem přísahal, budu se držet tvých spravedlivých soudů. 107Jsem na dně bídy, Jahve, oživ mě podle svého slova. 108Přijmi se zalíbením obětní dar mých úst, Jahve, pouč mě o svých soudech. 109Svou duši mám neustále v rukou, nezapomínám na tvůj zákon. 110I když mi bezbožníci nastražují léčku, neuchyluji se od tvých předpisů. 111Tvé svědectví je mým dědictvím navždy, je radostí mého srdce. 112Nakláním své srdce, aby konalo tvou vůli, v tom je odměna navždy. 113Sámek. Nenávidím dvojaká srdce a miluji tvůj zákon. 114Ty, mé útočiště, můj štíte, doufám ve tvé slovo. 115Odvraťte se ode mne, zlovolníci, chci dodržovat přikázání svého Boha. 116Buď mi oporou, jak jsi slíbil, a budu žít, nezahanbuj mé očekávání. 117Buď mi podporou a budu spasen, tvou vůli budu mít stále na očích. 118Srážíš všechny, kdo překračují tvou vůli, lživý je jejich výpočet. 119Za rez pokládáš všechny bezbožníky země, proto miluji tvé svědectví. 120Hrůzou před tebou se chvěje mé tělo, tvých soudů se bojím. 121Ajin. Vykonával jsem soud a spravedlnost, nevydávej mě mým katanům. 122K dobrému buď spojen se svým služebníkem, ať mě nemučí pyšní lidé. 123Až do konce jdou mé oči za tvou spásou, za tvým slibem spravedlnosti. 124Jednej se svým služebníkem podle své lásky, pouč mě o své vůli. 125Jsem tvůj služebník, dej mi porozumění, a poznám tvé svědectví. 126Je čas jednat, Jahve, tvůj zákon byl porušen. 127Proto miluji tvá přikázání víc než zlato a než ryzí zlato. 128Proto se řídím všemi tvými předpisy a nenávidím každou cestu lži. 129Pé. Tvé svědectví je tak podivuhodné, proto je má duše uchovává. 130Když se ukáže tvé slovo, osvěcuje a prostí lidé pochopí. 131Dokořán otevírám ústa a nadechuji se v dychtivosti po tvých přikázáních. 132Shlédni ke mně, slituj se nade mnou, je to právo těch, kdo milují tvé jméno. 133Dle svého slibu upevni mé kroky, ať nade mnou nezvítězí zlo. 134Vykup mě z muk, jež působí člověk, budu zachovávat tvé předpisy. 135Pro svého služebníka rozjasni svou tvář, pouč mě o své vůli. 136Mé oči se zalévají slzami, neboť se nezachovává tvůj zákon. 137Çáde. Jak jsi spravedlivý, Jahve! Jak přímé jsou tvé soudy. 138Své svědectví ukládáš jako spravedlnost, jako úplnou pravdu. 139Má horlivost mě stravuje, vždyť mí utlačovatelé zapomínají na tvé slovo. 140Tvůj slib je plně vyzkoušen, tvůj služebník jej má rád. 141I když jsem ubohý a pohrdají mnou, nezapomínám na tvé předpisy. 142Věčnou spravedlností je tvá spravedlnost, pravdou je tvůj zákon. 143Dolehly na mne úzkost, útlak, tvá přikázání jsou mi slastí. 144Věčná spravedlnost je tvé svědectví, dej mi porozumění, a budu žít. 145Kóf. Volám z celého srdce, odpověz mi, Jahve, budu dodržovat tvou vůli. 146Volám tě, zachraň mě, budu se držet tvého svědectví. 147Předbíhám úsvit a úpěnlivě prosím, doufám ve tvé slovo. 148Mé oči předbíhají noční hlídku, abych rozjímal o tvém slibu. 149Ve své lásce slyš můj hlas, Jahve, dle svých soudů mě oživ. 150Mí pronásledovatelé se ženou za hanebností, vzdalují se tvého zákona. 151Ty jsi nablízku, Jahve, pravda jsou všechna tvá přikázání. 152Již dávno jsem věděl o tvém svědectví, že jsi je ustanovil navždy. 153Réš. Pohleď na mou bídu, vysvoboď mě, vždyť nezapomínám na tvůj zákon. 154Obhajuj mou při, braň mě, podle svého slibu mě oživ. 155Daleko od bezbožníků je spása, oni se nepídí po tvé vůli. 156Hojná je tvá něžná láska, Jahve, podle svých soudů mě oživ. 157Četní jsou mí pronásledovatelé, mí utlačovatelé, neochabl jsem ve tvém svědectví. 158Viděl jsem odpadlíky, ošklivili se mi, oni si nehledí tvého slibu. 159Pohleď, jak miluji tvé předpisy, Jahve, podle své lásky mě oživ. 160Pravda, základ tvého slova, na věky tvé spravedlivé soudy. 161Šín. Bezdůvodně mě pronásledují knížata, mé srdce se obává tvého slova. 162Raduji se nad tvým slibem, jako bych našel velikou kořist. 163Lež nenávidím, hnusím si ji, tvůj zákon miluji. 164Sedmkrát za den tě chválím za tvé spravedlivé soudy. 165Veliký pokoj těm, kdo milují tvůj zákon, nic pro ně není pohoršením. 166Čekám na tvou spásu, Jahve, následuji tvá přikázání. 167Má duše se drží tvého svědectví, bezvýhradně je miluji. 168Držím se tvých předpisů, tvého svědectví, všechny mé cesty máš před sebou. 169Táv. Ať se mé volání přiblíží k tvé tváři, Jahve, svým slovem mi dej porozumění. 170Ať má modlitba přijde před tvou tvář, slibem svým mě vysvoboď. 171Ať mé rty hlásají tvou chválu, neboť mě poučuješ o své vůli. 172Ať můj jazyk opakuje tvůj slib, neboť všechna tvá přikázání jsou spravedlivá. 173Ať je mi tvá ruka ku pomoci, neboť jsem si vyvolil tvé předpisy. 174Toužím po tvé spáse, Jahve, tvůj zákon je mi slastí. 175Ať má duše žije ke tvé chvále, tvé soudy ať jsou mi ku pomoci! 176Bloudím jako ztracená ovce, vyhledej svého služebníka. Ne, nezapomněl jsem na tvá přikázání.
Matthew Henry - Concise Commentary 1 This psalm may be considered as the statement of a believer's experience. As far as our views, desires, and affections agree with what is here expressed, they come from the influences of the Holy Spirit, and no further. The pardoning mercy of God in Christ, is the only source of a sinner's happiness. And those are most happy, who are preserved most free from the defilement of sin, who simply believe God's testimonies, and depend on his promises. If the heart be divided between him and the world, it is evil. But the saints carefully avoid all sin; they are conscious of much evil that clogs them in the ways of God, but not of that wickedness which draws them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at liberty to follow the word of God or not, as they please. But the desire and prayer of a good man agree with the will and command of God. If a man expects by obedience in one thing to purchase indulgence for disobedience in others, his hypocrisy will be detected; if he is not ashamed in this world, everlasting shame will be his portion. The psalmist coveted to learn the laws of God, to give God the glory. And believers see that if God forsakes them, the temper will be too hard for them.
9 To original corruption all have added actual sin. The ruin of the young is either living by no rule at all, or choosing false rules: let them walk by Scripture rules. To doubt of our own wisdom and strength, and to depend upon God, proves the purpose of holiness is sincere. God's word is treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safe but in our hearts, that we may oppose God's precepts to the dominion of sin, his promises to its allurements, and his threatenings to its violence. Let this be our plea with Him to teach us his statutes, that, being partakers of his holiness, we may also partake of his blessedness. And those whose hearts are fed with the bread of life, should with their lips feed many. In the way of God's commandments there is the unsearchable riches of Christ. But we do not meditate on God's precepts to good purpose, unless our good thoughts produce good works. I will not only think of thy statutes, but do them with delight. And it will be well to try the sincerity of our obedience by tracing the spring of it; the reality of our love by cheerfulness in appointed duties.
17 If God deals in strict justice with us, we all perish. We ought to spend our lives in his service; we shall find true life in keeping his word. Those that would see the wondrous things of God's law and gospel, must beg him to give them understanding, by the light of his Spirit. Believers feel themselves strangers on earth; they fear missing their way, and losing comfort by erring from God's commandments. Every sanctified soul hungers after the word of God, as food which there is no living without. There is something of pride at the bottom of every wilful sin. God can silence lying lips; reproach and contempt may humble and do us good, and then they shall be removed. Do we find the weight of the cross is above that we are able to bear? He that bore it for us will enable us to bear it; upheld by him we cannot sink. It is sad when those who should protect the innocent, are their betrayers. The psalmist went on in duty, and he found comfort in the word of God. The comforts of the word of God are most pleasant to a gracious soul, when other comforts are made bitter; and those that would have God's testimonies to be their delight, must be advised by them. May the Lord direct us in exercising repentance of sin, and faith in Christ.
25 While the souls of the children of this world cleave to the earth as their portion, the children of light are greatly burdened, because of the remains of carnal affections in their hearts. It is unspeakable comfort to a gracious soul, to think with what tenderness all its complaints are received by a gracious God. We can talk of the wonders of redeeming love, when we understand the way of God's precepts, and walk in that way. The penitent melts in sorrow for sin: even the patient spirit may melt in the sense of affliction, it is then its interest to pour out its soul before God. The way of lying means all false ways by which men deceive themselves and others, or are deceived by Satan and his instruments. Those who know and love the law of the Lord, desire to know it more, and love it better. The way of serious godliness is the way of truth; the only true way to happiness: we must always have actual regard to it. Those who stick to the word of God, may in faith expect and pray for acceptance with God. Lord, never leave me to do that by which I shall shame myself, and do not thou reject my services. Those that are going to heaven, should still press forward. God, by his Spirit, enlarges the hearts of his people when he gives them wisdom. The believer prays to be set free from sin.
33 Teach me thy statutes, not the mere words, but the way of applying them to myself. God, by his Spirit, gives a right understanding. But the Spirit of revelation in the word will not suffice, unless we have the Spirit of wisdom in the heart. God puts his Spirit within us, causing us to walk in his statutes. The sin here prayed against is covetousness. Those that would have the love of God rooted in them, must get the love of the world rooted out; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God. Quicken me in thy way; to redeem time, and to do every duty with liveliness of spirit. Beholding vanity deadens us, and slackens our pace; a traveller must not stand gazing upon every object that presents itself to his view. The promises of God's word greatly relate to the preservation of the true believer. When Satan has drawn a child of God into worldly compliances, he will reproach him with the falls into which he led him. Victory must come from the cross of Christ. When we enjoy the sweetness of God's precepts, it will make us long for more acquaintance with them. And where God has wrought to will, he will work to do.
41 Lord, I have by faith thy mercies in view; let me by prayer prevail to obtain them. And when the salvation of the saints is completed, it will plainly appear that it was not in vain to trust in God's word. We need to pray that we may never be afraid or ashamed to own God's truths and ways before men. And the psalmist resolves to keep God's law, in a constant course of obedience, without backsliding. The service of sin is slavery; the service of God is liberty. There is no full happiness, or perfect liberty, but in keeping God's law. We must never be ashamed or afraid to own our religion. The more delight we take in the service of God, the nearer we come to perfection. Not only consent to his law as good, but take pleasure in it as good for us. Let me put forth all the strength I have, to do it. Something of this mind of Christ is in every true disciple.
49 Those that make God's promises their portion, may with humble boldness make them their plea. He that by his Spirit works faith in us, will work for us. The word of God speaks comfort in affliction. If, through grace, it makes us holy, there is enough in it to make us easy, in all conditions. Let us be certain we have the Divine law for what we believe, and then let not scoffers prevail upon us to decline from it. God's judgments of old comfort and encourage us, for he is still the same. Sin is horrible in the eyes of all that are sanctified. Ere long the believer will be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. In the mean time, the statutes of the Lord supply subjects for grateful praise. In the season of affliction, and in the silent hours of the night, he remembers the name of the Lord, and is stirred up to keep the law. All who have made religion the first thing, will own that they have been unspeakable gainers by it.
57 True believers take the Lord for the portion of their inheritance, and nothing less will satisfy them. The psalmist prayed with his whole heart, knowing how to value the blessing he prayed for: he desired the mercy promised, and depended on the promise for it. He turned from by-paths, and returned to God's testimonies. He delayed not. It behoves sinners to hasten to escape; and the believer will be equally in haste to glorify God. No care or grief should take away God's word out of our minds, or hinder the comfort it bestows. There is no situation on earth in which a believer has not cause to be thankful. Let us feel ashamed that others are more willing to keep from sleep to spend the time in sinful pleasures, than we are to praise God. And we should be more earnest in prayer, that our hearts may be filled with his mercy, grace, and peace.
65 However God has dealt with us, he has dealt with us better than we deserve; and all in love, and for our good. Many have knowledge, but little judgment; those who have both, are fortified against the snares of Satan, and furnished for the service of God. We are most apt to wander from God, when we are easy in the world. We should leave our concerns to the disposal of God, seeing we know not what is good for us. Lord, thou art our bountiful Benefactor; incline our hearts to faith and obedience. The psalmist will go on in his duty with constancy and resolution. The proud are full of the world, and its wealth and pleasures; these make them senseless, secure, and stupid. God visits his people with affliction, that they may learn his statutes. Not only God's promises, but even his law, his percepts, though hard to ungodly men, are desirable, and profitable, because they lead us with safety and delight unto eternal life.
73 God made us to serve him, and enjoy him; but by sin we have made ourselves unfit to serve him, and to enjoy him. We ought, therefore, continually to beseech him, by his Holy Spirit, to give us understanding. The comforts some have in God, should be matter of joy to others. But it is easy to own, that God's judgments are right, until it comes to be our own case. All supports under affliction must come from mercy and compassion. The mercies of God are tender mercies; the mercies of a father, the compassion of a mother to her son. They come to us when we are not able to go to them. Causeless reproach does not hurt, and should not move us. The psalmist could go on in the way of his duty, and find comfort in it. He valued the good will of saints, and was desirous to keep up his communion with them. Soundness of heart signifies sincerity in dependence on God, and devotedness to him.
81 The psalmist sought deliverance from his sins, his foes, and his fears. Hope deferred made him faint; his eyes failed by looking out for this expected salvation. But when the eyes fail, yet faith must not. His affliction was great. He was become like a leathern bottle, which, if hung up in the smoke, is dried and shrivelled up. We must ever be mindful of God's statutes. The days of the believer's mourning shall be ended; they are but for a moment, compared with eternal happiness. His enemies used craft as well as power for his ruin, in contempt of the law of God. The commandments of God are true and faithful guides in the path of peace and safety. We may best expect help from God when, like our Master, we do well and suffer for it. Wicked men may almost consume the believer upon earth, but he would sooner forsake all than forsake the word of the Lord. We should depend upon the grace of God for strength to do every good work. The surest token of God's good-will toward us, is his good work in us.
89 The settling of God's word in heaven, is opposed to the changes and revolutions of the earth. And the engagements of God's covenant are established more firmly than the earth itself. All the creatures answer the ends of their creation: shall man, who alone is endued with reason, be the only unprofitable burden of the earth? We may make the Bible a pleasant companion at any time. But the word, without the grace of God, would not quicken us. See the best help for bad memories, namely, good affections; and though the exact words be lost, if the meaning remain, that is well. I am thine, not my own, not the world's; save me from sin, save me from ruin. The Lord will keep the man in peace, whose mind is stayed on him. It is poor perfection which one sees and end of. Such are all things in this world, which pass for perfections. The glory of man is but as the flower of the grass. The psalmist had seen the fulness of the word of God, and its sufficiency. The word of the Lord reaches to all cases, to all times. It will take us from all confidence in man, or in our own wisdom, strength, and righteousness. Thus shall we seek comfort and happiness from Christ alone.
97 What we love, we love to think of. All true wisdom is from God. A good man carries his Bible with him, if not in his hands, yet in his head and in his heart. By meditation on God's testimonies we understand more than our teachers, when we understand our own hearts. The written word is a more sure guide to heaven, than all the fathers, the teachers, and ancients of the church. We cannot, with any comfort or boldness, attend God in holy duties, while under guilt, or in any by-way. It was Divine grace in his heart, that enabled the psalmist to receive these instructions. The soul has its tastes as well as the body. Our relish for the word of God will be greatest, when that for the world and the flesh is least. The way of sin is a wrong way; and the more understanding we get by the precepts of God, the more rooted will be our hatred of sin; and the more ready we are in the Scriptures, the better furnished we are with answers to temptation.
105 The word of God directs us in our work and way, and a dark place indeed the world would be without it. The commandment is a lamp kept burning with the oil of the Spirit, as a light to direct us in the choice of our way, and the steps we take in that way. The keeping of God's commands here meant, was that of a sinner under a dispensation of mercy, of a believer having part in the covenant of grace. The psalmist is often afflicted; but with longing desires to become more holy, offers up daily prayers for quickening grace. We cannot offer any thing to God, that he will accept but what he is pleased to teach us to do. To have our soul or life continually in our hands, implies constant danger of life; yet he did not forget God's promises nor his precepts. Numberless are the snares laid by the wicked; and happy is that servant of God, whom they have not caused to err from his Master's precepts. Heavenly treasures are a heritage for ever; all the saints accept them as such, therefore they can be content with little of this world. We must look for comfort only in the way of duty, and that duty must be done. A good man, by the grace of God, brings his heart to his work, then it is done well.
113 Here is a dread of the risings of sin, and the first beginnings of it. The more we love the law of God, the more watchful we shall be, lest vain thoughts draw us from what we love. Would we make progress in keeping God's commands, we must be separate from evil-doers. The believer could not live without the grace of God; but, supported by his hand, his spiritual life shall be maintained. Our holy security is grounded on Divine supports. All departure from God's statutes is error, and will prove fatal. Their cunning is falsehood. There is a day coming which will put the wicked into everlasting fire, the fit place for the dross. See what comes of sin Surely we who fall so low in devout affections, should fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into heavenly rest, any of us should be found to come short of it,
Hebre 4:1.
121 Happy is the man, who, acting upon gospel principles, does justice to all around. Christ our Surety, having paid our debt and ransom, secures all the blessings of salvation to every true believer. The psalmist expects the word of God's righteousness, and no other salvation than what is secured by that word, which cannot fall to the ground. We deserve no favour form God; we are most easy when we cast ourselves upon God's mercy, and refer ourselves to it. If any man resolve to do God's will as his servant, he shall be made to know his testimonies. We must do what we can for the support of religion, and, after all, must beg of God to take the work into his own hands. It is hypocrisy to say we love God's commandments more than our worldly interests. The way of sin is a false way, being directly contrary to God's precepts, which are right: those that love and esteem God's law, hate sin, and will not be reconciled to it.
129 The wonders of redeeming love will fix the heart in adoration of them. The Scriptures show us what we were, what we are, and what we shall be. They show us the mercy and the justice of the Lord, the joys of heaven, and the pains of hell. Thus they give to the simple, in a few days, understanding of those matters, which philosophers for ages sought in vain. The believer, wearied with the cares of life and his conflicts with sin, pants for the consolations conveyed to him by means of the sacred word. And every one may pray, Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. We must beg that the Holy Spirit would order our steps. The dominion of sin is to be dreaded and prayed against by every one. The oppression of men is often more than flesh and blood can bear; and He who knoweth our frame, will not refuse to remove it in answer to the prayers of his people. Whatever obscurity may appear as to the faith of the Old Testament believers, their confidence at the throne of grace can only be explained by their having obtained more distinct views of gospel privileges, through the sacrifices and services of their law, than is generally imagined. Go to the same place, plead the name and merits of Jesus, and you will not, you cannot plead in vain. Commonly, where there is a gracious heart, there is a weeping eye. Accept, O Lord, the tears our blessed Redeemer shed in the days of his flesh, for us who should weep for our brethren or ourselves.
137 God never did, and never can do wrong to any. The promises are faithfully performed by Him that made them. Zeal against sin should constrain us to do what we can against it, at least to do more in religion ourselves. Our love to the word of God is evidence of our love to God, because it is designed to make us partake his holiness. Men's real excellency always makes them low in their own eyes. When we are small and despised, we have the more need to remember God's precepts, that we may have them to support us. The law of God is the truth, the standard of holiness, the rule of happiness; but the obedience of Christ alone justifies the believer. Sorrows are often the lot of saints in this vale of tears; they are in heaviness through manifold temptations. There are delights in the word of God, which the saints often most sweetly enjoy when in trouble and anguish. This is life eternal, to know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent,
John 17:3. May we live the life of faith and grace here, and be removed to the life of glory hereafter.
145 Supplications with the whole heart are presented only by those who desire God's salvation, and who love his commandments. Whither should the child go but to his father? Save me from my sins, my corruptions, my temptations, all the hinderances in my way, that I may keep thy testimonies. Christians who enjoy health, should not suffer the early hours of the morning to glide away unimproved. Hope in God's word encourages us to continue in prayer. It is better to take time from sleep, than not to find time for prayer. We have access to God at all hours; and if our first thoughts in the morning are of God, they will help to keep us in his fear all the day long. Make me lively and cheerful. God knows what we need and what is good for us, and will quicken us. If we are employed in God's service, we need not fear those who try to set themselves as far as they can out of the reach of the convictions and commands of his law. When trouble is near, God is near. He is never far to seek. All his commandments are truth. And God's promises will be performed. All that ever trusted in God have found him faithful.
153 The closer we cleave to the word of God, both as our rule and as our stay, the more assurance we have of deliverance. Christ is the Advocate of his people, their Redeemer. Those who were quickened by his Spirit and grace, when they were dead in trespasses and sins, often need to have the work of grace revived in them, according to the word of promise. The wicked not only do not God's statutes, but they do not even seek them. They flatter themselves that they are going to heaven; but the longer they persist in sin, the further it is from them. God's mercies are tender; they are a fountain that can never be exhausted. The psalmist begs for God's reviving, quickening grace. A man, steady in the way of his duty, though he may have many enemies, needs to fear none. Those that hate sin truly, hate it as sin, as a transgression of the law of God, and a breaking of his word. Our obedience is only pleasing to God, and pleasant to ourselves, when it comes from a principle of love. All, in every age, who receive God's word in faith and love, find every saying in it faithful.
161 Those whose hearts stand in awe of God's word, will rather endure the wrath of man, than break the law of God. By the word of God we are unspeakable gainers. Every man hates to have a lie told him, but we should more hate telling a lie; by the latter we give an affront to God. The more we see the beauty of truth, the more we shall see the hateful deformity of a lie. We are to praise God even for afflictions; through grace we get good from them. Those that love the world have great vexation, for it does not answer what they expect; those that love God's word have great peace, for it outdoes what they expect. Those in whom this holy love reigns, will not perplex themselves with needless scruples, or take offence at their brethren. A good hope of salvation will engage the heart in doing the commandments. And our love to the word of God must subdue our lusts, and root out carnal affections: we must make heart work of it, or we make nothing of it. We must keep the commandments of God by obedience to them, and his promises by reliance on them. God's eye is on us at all times; this should make us very careful to keep his commandments.
169 The psalmist desired grace and strength to lift up his prayers, and that the Lord would receive and notice them. He desired to know more of God in Christ; to know more of the doctrines of the word, and the duties of religion. He had a deep sense of unworthiness, and holy fear that his prayer should not come before God; Lord, what I pray for is, what thou hast promised. We have learned nothing to purpose, if we have not learned to praise God. We should always make the word of God the rule of our discourse, so as never to transgress it by sinful speaking, or sinful silence. His own hands are not sufficient, nor can any creature lend him help; therefore he looks up to God, that the hand that had made him may help him. He had made religion his deliberate choice. There is an eternal salvation all the saints long for, and therefore they pray that God would help their way to it. Let thy judgments help me; let all ordinances and all providences, (both are God's judgments,) further me in glorifying God; let them help me for that work. He often looks back with shame and gratitude to his lost estate. He still prays for the tender care of Him who purchased his flock with his own blood, that he may receive from him the gift of eternal life. Seek me, that is, Find me; for God never seeks in vain. Turn me, and I shall be turned. Let this psalm be a touchstone by which to try our hearts, and our lives. Do our hearts, cleansed in Christ's blood, make these prayers, resolutions and confessions our own? Is God's word the standard of our faith, and the law of our practice? Do we use it as pleas with Christ for what we need? Happy those who live in such delightful exercises.
