Wednesday Devo
Scripture:
Psalm 19
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
Commentary:
19:7 On law, see note on 1:2. perfect. See note on 19:13. reviving the soul. That is, giving refreshment (see Prov. 25:13, “refreshes the soul”; Ps. 23:3 uses a similar expression). Sure, or trustworthy. simple. See Introduction to Proverbs: Character Types in Proverbs.
19:7 The close relation between God’s instruction through creation (vv. 1–6) and through his law (vv. 7–14) anticipates the role of Christ as mediator in creation and redemption (Col. 1:15–20).
19:8 pure. Unmixed with evil (cf. 24:4). enlightening the eyes. For the eyes to have light or to be bright is for the person to be alert and active (cf. 1 Sam. 14:27; Ezra 9:8; Ps. 13:3; 38:10; Prov. 29:13).
19:9 The fear of the Lord often means revering God, but here it is the revealed way by which one properly reveres God, i.e., the precepts of the covenant (similarly 34:11). true. A reliable transcript of God’s will.
19:10 The fundamental attitude here is one of delight: God’s instructions are more desirable than the best riches (cf. 119:127; Prov. 8:19) and more pleasurable than the finest tastes (cf. Prov. 24:13–14).
19:11 reward. The proper outcome, in this case assurance and character growth (see notes on vv. 12 and 13).
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 961.
19:7 The close relation between God’s instruction through creation (vv. 1–6) and through his law (vv. 7–14) anticipates the role of Christ as mediator in creation and redemption (Col. 1:15–20).
19:8 pure. Unmixed with evil (cf. 24:4). enlightening the eyes. For the eyes to have light or to be bright is for the person to be alert and active (cf. 1 Sam. 14:27; Ezra 9:8; Ps. 13:3; 38:10; Prov. 29:13).
19:9 The fear of the Lord often means revering God, but here it is the revealed way by which one properly reveres God, i.e., the precepts of the covenant (similarly 34:11). true. A reliable transcript of God’s will.
19:10 The fundamental attitude here is one of delight: God’s instructions are more desirable than the best riches (cf. 119:127; Prov. 8:19) and more pleasurable than the finest tastes (cf. Prov. 24:13–14).
19:11 reward. The proper outcome, in this case assurance and character growth (see notes on vv. 12 and 13).
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 961.
Questions:
- As we discussed yesterday, David started with saying that God's perfect instructions revive the soul. Then he says that God's DECREES are TRUSTWORTHY, making WISE the SIMPLE. God's decrees are worthy of our confidence and are completely dependable. You can build your life on them because they will not fail you. Some of us, like Adam and Eve in the garden, struggled to trust God. You might be in the same boat. You might not question Scripture's accuracy or authority, but do you, deep down, trust God's goodness? Is there anything happening in your life right now that is causing you to doubt the goodness of God?
- Then, David says, "The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing JOY to the HEART." Hebrews reminds us that God's Word is alive and active. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. That means God's Word can cut us and wound us. But that doesn't mean it can't still make us joyful. God's commands bring us joy, not because they always make us feel good, but because they lead us back to Truth... back to HIM! Have you allowed His Word to expose things in you that aren't pleasing to Him? When was the last time you were broken over your own sin and chose to run back to God in repentance? Where is your joy?
Prayer Topics:
- That God would expose areas of your life where you lack trust in Him.
- That you experience His joy through repentance.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
1. Who is Jesus? I believe Jesus is God because Jesus said He is God and proved it by rising from the dead and appearing to His disciples, His brother James, 500 others at one time, and Paul.
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
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