Psalm 19:7-14 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 19:7-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
Verse 8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
Verse 9the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Verse 10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Verse 11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Verse 12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
Verse 13Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
Verse 14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Devotion
Law? Like gold? Sweet as honey? It helps if we look back to the beginning verse of Psalm 19 where the psalmist states, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” If creation is glorious, the psalmist might also believe that the law can be glorious, too, especially if you look at law’s call for oneness with God. When we strive to live a life under the guidance of God, we live out the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As Paul says in Galatians 5:22, “There is no law against these things.” Now that is sweeter than honey.
Prayer
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. (My father, a U.C.C. minister, began every sermon with this prayer from Psalm 19.14)
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