Some actions have great and valuable benefits, while others are a waste of time. In the stanza of this great poem that begins with, “O how I love Thy law!” the psalmist's enthusiasm for the truth in God's word creates a burst of joy in his soul. It is not the emotion that matters most, but rather the wisdom given to him through God's law. When we are enlightened by God’s truth, we become wiser than enemies who mock, teachers with all the answers but no understanding of real problems, and even older people who think their age alone makes them wise.
The knowledge of God comes to us through reading and understanding His word, which surpasses natural intelligence. Spiritual wisdom comes from the Spirit of God through His word rather than simply education and life experiences. The more we meditate on God's words, the more we love His word. The scriptures give us true wisdom. When we are drawn to what is true, we are taught to reject what is false. There will always be new beauties and blessings when we meditate on the word of God. A complacent teacher who merely passes on what others have taught him or her will have less knowledge than a student who meditates on what is true. Obedience to truth makes one wiser than old people who rely on simple phrases like “Been there, done that.”
Obedience to the truth keeps us from evil and opens new opportunities for life that haven't been passed down from others. The influence of obeying the word of God sanctifies a believer so much that they hate sin and cherish righteousness. There is genuine joy in reading the Bible, contemplating what we read, and then applying the truths we learn daily.
In the next stanza, starting with verse 105, we move beyond the joy of enlightenment to receiving the light of life. On this life journey, God's truth in the scriptures illuminates our path wherever we go and through any dangers we face. The word of God provides light for all situations life brings, guiding us through this dark world of sin with shining light on our current steps and the ones ahead. When there is a risk of being ensnared by enemies of God and His people, the word of God will protect us and warn us of what is wrong. It forbids us from responding to sin and directs us to do what is right by the light it reveals. Walking in and obeying it brings blessings to us and others.
It keeps us from trouble, guides us during suffering when we don't understand why it has happened, and sustains us with confidence in God. As students of the Word, we open our minds and hearts to God's teachings during those times. Then, we can offer our sacrifices of thanks as priests. To ignore the word of God would leave us vulnerable to panic when traps are set or unfamiliar trials come our way. Obeying the truth helps us avoid error. In those moments, the word of God becomes our special joy, and we recognize what a wonderful inheritance we have as children of God. We should cherish and obey it every day, in every situation, for all our lives.
In the next stanza, the contrast between those loyal to the Lord and His word and the wicked is highlighted. “Thou art my hiding place and my shield” are words of loyalty from someone faithful to the Lord, unlike the faithlessness of “the earth who are like dross.” Spending time reading and learning from the word of God will help us avoid wrong thinking and wrong actions. The word of God reveals wickedness for what it truly is and shows us that it is as worthless as slag cast aside from heated metal.
Double-minded people cannot be trusted, but in contrast, the word of God and those who practice it are consistent. The Lord Himself is our Defender and Refuge. He is our Deliverer who keeps us safe. He will never fail us, even when we are under attack. For our part, we keep His word. We cannot participate in the activities of those who do evil, but we need to show them the value of God's word by being consistent in both word and practice. Those who reject the statutes of the Lord will be exposed in God’s time. He will deal righteously with sin, like scum that is exposed. God's judgments are strict and severe, but they are trustworthy and spiritual. That is why there should be fear when they are ignored.
In the next section of eight verses, one verse in the psalm does not mention the word of God. Those who opposed the psalmist had no respect for God’s word or His servant, so he asked the Lord to take action. This was the time for divine intervention, and he asked God to “be surety” for him. Our Lord was our Surety when He was on the cross, and He is our Surety now. God accepts us because of that fact. We might have to wait a long time for deliverance from opposition or difficulties, but God does that for His reasons. Separation and deliverance from what is wrong come through the word of God, not our own self-centered opinions.
Even though some oppose the word of God, we need to share it with the world. When we fulfill our responsibilities, we can trust that God will do what is best with the seed we have sown. We can expect deliverance for ourselves in His timing. Righteousness is a fruit of salvation, so a righteous person can confidently ask God for help. One reason we may have to wait is that it is one way He teaches us His statutes, preparing us for what lies ahead. The more we know about the Lord, the more helpful we can be. When we see what’s happening around us, we can say, “It is time for Thee to work.” The value we place on something is often determined by how much we invest in it. Respect for the word and the time spent with it are connected. Obedience and action taken based on its instructions are linked.
Joy and communion with God are wonderful results of taking the word of God into our minds and hearts. Inner light comes from the testimonies of the word, giving understanding to all who read it, even if they are “unlearned” by worldly standards, because it comes directly to us from God. This fact never ceases to be a great wonder to a child of God. Some of the most spiritually wise people are those whose education is limited to what they learned from the scriptures.
This section of the psalm is a prayer that encourages people to live righteously. The “entrance” (unfolding) of God’s word to a person means revealing its meaning to us and implanting it into our hearts. The word of God is remarkable because it remains relevant to people everywhere, across all generations and age groups. Its authority brings guidance to governments that listen, churches that practice it, and families that let it lead them. Despite popular opinions, it provides light to individuals who choose to follow its instructions.
Its influence has a sanctifying effect for good wherever it is taken in and applied. When we live consistently by the truth in the word of God, we will find grace given for the grace needed. We will always need God’s grace to maintain holiness in life. Holiness and biblical practices go together. The “testimonies” are lovely because they illuminate our lives and light where and when it is needed to make wise decisions.
We all need to be freed from the bondage imposed on us by others or even by bad habits we may have fallen into. When we follow God's precepts, they will deliver us from that bondage. We must know and continually practice divine truth. When we do this ourselves, we realize how serious the disregard of unbelievers toward the word of God is. The psalmist wept because of those who would not keep God’s law. He could see how they dishonor our Lord and despise the truth in God's word.