17 <GIMEL> Give me, your servant, the reward of life, so that I may keep your word;
18 Let my eyes be open to see the wonders of your law.
19 I am living in a strange land: do not let your teachings be kept secret from me.
20 My soul is broken with desire for your decisions at all times.
21 Your hand has been against the men of pride, a curse is on those who go wandering out of your way.
22 Take away from me shame and bitter words; for I have kept your unchanging word in my heart.
23 Rulers make evil designs against me; but your servant gives thought to your rules.
24 Your unchanging word is my delight, and the guide of my footsteps.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 119:17-24
Commentary on Psalm 119:17-24
(Read Psalm 119:17-24)
If God deals in strict justice with us, we all perish. We ought to spend our lives in his service; we shall find true life in keeping his word. Those that would see the wondrous things of God's law and gospel, must beg him to give them understanding, by the light of his Spirit. Believers feel themselves strangers on earth; they fear missing their way, and losing comfort by erring from God's commandments. Every sanctified soul hungers after the word of God, as food which there is no living without. There is something of pride at the bottom of every wilful sin. God can silence lying lips; reproach and contempt may humble and do us good, and then they shall be removed. Do we find the weight of the cross is above that we are able to bear? He that bore it for us will enable us to bear it; upheld by him we cannot sink. It is sad when those who should protect the innocent, are their betrayers. The psalmist went on in duty, and he found comfort in the word of God. The comforts of the word of God are most pleasant to a gracious soul, when other comforts are made bitter; and those that would have God's testimonies to be their delight, must be advised by them. May the Lord direct us in exercising repentance of sin, and faith in Christ.