Better than Gold
Jock Stein
April 20, 2023
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Psalm 19: 7-14 (NRSVA)
7
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;8
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;9
the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring for ever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.10
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.11
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.12
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.13
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;[a]
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
These verses follow verses in praise of the sun – but only the word of God is described in verse 10 as gold, or rather, better than gold. Another psalm develops this, with Psalm 119: 62 saying, ‘I rejoice at your word like one who finds great treasure’. But how can you find words so valuable? Only because at the heart of these words is not simply a good way of life, but God himself in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life. ‘The very heart of your word is truth’ (Psalm 119: 160).
Roll some of the adjectives in Psalm 19 round your mind and your tongue: sure, right, clear, pure, true, sweet. Let their source in what God speaks be like a deep well in your life, so that your thoughts and words (verse 14) are a delight to God – and to others, and to yourself.
PRAY:
Continue with verse 14. Pray it slowly for others also, bringing to mind what is scripted for film, written for books, typed into social media. Pray for those who speak in the assemblies and councils of the land.
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