Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2453 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration of Psalm 19, a psalm of David that reveals the glory of God both in the natural world and in His Word. In the previous episode, we looked at the first six verses of this psalm, where David marvels at how the heavens declare the glory of God, and how creation continuously proclaims His handiwork.
In verses 7 through 11, David shifts his focus from the general revelation of God in nature to the specific revelation of God in His Word. These verses are a beautiful meditation on God’s law’s perfection, power, and value, which guides, enlightens, and satisfies the soul. So, let’s dive into these verses together and uncover the treasure that is God’s Word.
Psalm 19:7-11 (NLT):
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.
The Perfection and Power of God’s Word:
David begins verse 7 with a powerful declaration: “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
David introduces us to the profound truth that God’s Word is perfect and complete. When he speaks of “the instructions of the Lord,” he is referring to the Torah, the law given to Israel through Moses. But in a broader sense, it includes all of God’s revealed will in Scripture. David tells us that these instructions are perfect, meaning they are without flaws or defects. They are precisely what we need to live a life that pleases God.
One of the most remarkable aspects of God’s Word is its ability to “revive the soul.” In our busy, often chaotic lives, it’s easy to become weary and burdened. We face challenges, disappointments, and struggles that can drain our energy and sap our enthusiasm. But David reminds us that God’s Word has the power to restore our vitality and renew our inner being. It revives us, not just physically or emotionally, but at the very core of who we are.
David also highlights the trustworthiness of God’s decrees. He says they are “trustworthy, making wise the simple.” In a world where so much information is unreliable, God’s Word stands as a beacon of truth. It is a solid foundation on which we can build our lives. Even those who are “simple,” or lacking in understanding, can become wise by following the precepts of the Lord. The wisdom that comes from God’s Word is not dependent on our intellect or education; it is available to all who seek it with...
