17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.
25 My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
There are many people asking to understand the commandments of God. But of most of us want to know how far we can stretch them in our favor. I remembered the time I used forgive your neighbor as Christ forgives you. Thus, you should always forgive me, no matter what I do. But the commandment or instruction is given for us to remember to forgive our repentant brother of his sins. This does not mean we forgive the sins of everyone, because Jesus says he gives authority to forgive and retain sins.
But we do need to learn the law of God. We do need to remember that the Law is given to point out our sins as St Paul tells us. But here the Psalmist desires to know and understand the Law so that he can follow it. We need to learn to follow his commandments, not avoid them.
But when we have studied and find ourselves wanting, or shameful. We turn to the word of God which points us to our salvation in Jesus Christ. God puts us to shame so that he can lift us up, and raise us to new life through Jesus Christ's death. But then he sets that law before us once more to instruct us on how to live and act.
But we do need to learn the law of God. We do need to remember that the Law is given to point out our sins as St Paul tells us. But here the Psalmist desires to know and understand the Law so that he can follow it. We need to learn to follow his commandments, not avoid them.
But when we have studied and find ourselves wanting, or shameful. We turn to the word of God which points us to our salvation in Jesus Christ. God puts us to shame so that he can lift us up, and raise us to new life through Jesus Christ's death. But then he sets that law before us once more to instruct us on how to live and act.
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