Psalm 119:80

(This is an entry from a devotional commentary I am working on from Psalm 119 entitled ‘God and His Word’.  The introduction can be found here, successive entries have covered the 22 sections of the Psalm, and following entries verse by verse.)

 

"May my heart be blameless in Your statutes,

So that I will not be ashamed."

 

There is no higher goal than Your righteousness, which is to be blameless in Your statutes.  Surely this is ultimate spiritual strength, for "The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion."  (Proverbs 28:1).  Walking in Your ways is ultimate strength and confidence.  It is also ultimate blessing, seen in Psalm 119:1-2, which hearkens back to Psalm 1:1-2.  It is a compelling picture of what I want to be, the opposite of ashamed.  When ashamed, I shrink back, but when blameless before You, I seek further righteousness.  Blameless is the Hebrew  תָּמִים, tāmiym, an adjective with the sense of blameless, complete, true, virtuous, upright, righteous.  Yet, who can claim blamelessness (Proverbs 20:9)?  "But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared."  (Psalms 130:4).  Notice also the Psalmist seeks not just blameless actions, but a blameless heart from which actions flow (Proverbs 4:23).  Like the Psalmist, Lord, may I seek truth in the innermost being (Psalm 51:6)!  This can only happen through the finished work of Christ, the rule of the Father, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my heart.  Praise You Lord for doing it all!

 

‘This is even more important than to be held in esteem by good men. This is the root of the matter. If the heart be sound in obedience to God, all is well, or will be well. If right at heart we are right in the main. If we be not sound before God, our name for piety is an empty sound. Mere profession will fail, and undeserved esteem will disappear like a bubble when it bursts; only sincerity and truth will endure in the evil day. [see Ephesians 6:13-17]’[1]

 


[1] Spurgeon, Charles Haddon, Treasury of David, on Psalm 119:80, e-Sword edition


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