The Law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the Lord is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The Law of the LORD is Perfect – Psalm 19
2 The Heavens declare the glory of God;
the firmament proclaims the works of His hands.
3 Day unto day pours forth speech;
night unto night whispers knowledge.
4 There is no speech, no words;
their voice is not heard;
5 A report goes forth through all the earth,
their messages, to the ends of the world.
He has pitched in them a tent for the sun;
6 it comes forth like a bridegroom from His canopy,
and like a hero joyfully runs its course.
7 From one end of the Heavens it comes forth;
its course runs through to the other;
nothing escapes its heat.
8 The Law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the Lord is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
9 The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eye.
10 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The statutes of the Lord are true,
all of them just;
11 More desirable than gold,
than a hoard of purest gold,
Sweeter also than honey
or drippings from the comb.
12 By them your servant is warned;
obeying them brings much reward.
13 Who can detect trespasses?
Cleanse me from my inadvertent sins.
14 Also from arrogant ones restrain Your servant;
let them never control me.
Then shall I be blameless,
innocent of grave sin.
15 Let the words of my mouth be acceptable,
the thoughts of my heart before You,
Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19 Commentary
People from all faiths and cultures stand in awe of the same sun and its life-giving properties. Through God’s Revelation man knows that the sun, like the rest of creation, owes its beauty, brilliance and attributes to He who created it (see the Book of Genesis for more). Just as God made the sun to provide man with life-saving properties such as light and heat, so too God gave to him the perfect manual on how to live rightly (blessed!) according to His will. The Commandments and Beatitudes were given to man for man’s benefit; so that he might be enlightened by divine Truth in order live out his best life.
God’s Law is perfect even though man may not always understand it. But man was never called to understand everything; he was called to have faith and trust in God’s omniscience. Similar to that of His creation – sun, water and air for example – God’s Law is a saving element that proclaims His glory. Fidelity to the Law of God, His precepts and Commandments, promises to bring fulfillment, moral perfection, real joy and lasting peace to the lives of all men. Moreover, through obedience to His Law, the Lord is glorified. How? In following His ways, man is led to life-transformative encounters. These transformations lead to witness, and real witness converts other souls to Jesus Christ – the eternal Savior.
In prayerfully considering Psalm 19, King David also prays for God to forgive his sins … even those he had committed unwittingly. This serves as a reminder of not only the importance of repentance, but the need to conduct a daily examination of conscience (taking an honest inventory of our words, thoughts and actions). This spiritual practice will help you to recall your sins for an honest act of contrition, as well as grow in holy virtues such as humility and charity.
As you mediate on this Psalm today, think about how God is speaking to you through creation. What is He reminding you of? How is He beckoning you to follow Him and His ways? What are the ways His Law can benefit your life as a whole?
For Meditation – Psalm 19
2 The Heavens declare the glory of God;
the firmament proclaims the works of His hands.
3 Day unto day pours forth speech;
night unto night whispers knowledge.
4 There is no speech, no words;
their voice is not heard;
5 A report goes forth through all the earth,
their messages, to the ends of the world.
He has pitched in them a tent for the sun;
6 it comes forth like a bridegroom from His canopy,
and like a hero joyfully runs its course.
7 From one end of the Heavens it comes forth;
its course runs through to the other;
nothing escapes its heat.
8 The Law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the Lord is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
9 The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eye.
10 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The statutes of the Lord are true,
all of them just;
11 More desirable than gold,
than a hoard of purest gold,
Sweeter also than honey
or drippings from the comb.
12 By them your servant is warned;
obeying them brings much reward.
13 Who can detect trespasses?
Cleanse me from my inadvertent sins.
14 Also from arrogant ones restrain Your servant;
let them never control me.
Then shall I be blameless,
innocent of grave sin.
15 Let the words of my mouth be acceptable,
the thoughts of my heart before You,
Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
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