Here we have an invitation to learn and receive instruction in the Fear of the Lord, which is to revere and to worship-fully fear, and have utmost respect for God. For most of us, we know that the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and who among us would fail to receive more wisdom given the opportunity for an increased portion? The Psalmist goes on to say, “Who is the man who desires life and loves length of days that he may see good?” Then he lays out the answer for all who will take heed, emphasizing the “if you want this result, then this is the way to go about it” form, all through the Bible. It is noteworthy to re-emphasize that he relates one’s well-being directly to the words that come out of one’s mouth. He says in verse 13 + 14: “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it.” In Psalm 94: 9: it says, “He Who planted the ear, does He not hear? He Who formed the eye, does He not see?” Psalm 34: 15: says, “The Eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” In contrast we read in Psalm 64: 2a + 3: the prayer of David, saying “Hide me from the secret counsel of the evildoers… Who have sharpened their tongue like a sword…” and in verse 8b:…
