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: “they make their tongue a stumbling block for themselves; their own tongue is against them.”
In verse 10: we read, “The righteous man will be glad in the Lord, and will take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart will Glory.” It is not always easy to be obedient to the Lord’s instruction (His Word), but it is always right, and it also always yields mind-boggling blessings. Psalm 119: 11: says, “Thy Word have I treasured (hid) in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.” Psalms 112: 1: declares, “Praise the Lord! Blessed (Happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who fears (reveres and worships) the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments.”
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so very much for being a Refuge for all who cry out to Thee. Thank You for being all-knowing and merciful in all that You have heard, hear, and see. We thank you for Your forgiveness for all that we have ever spoken that was offensive and displeasing in Your Ears and Sight. We forgive and pray for all those who have spoken ill against us, that Your Mercy and Grace would draw them to repentance, Salvation, deliverance, and restoration in Your Love. Glory to You alone!
