Psalm 119 - Tsadhe

No reader who is reasonably engaged can fail to notice the common theme in this stanza: righteousness. A form of the word is mentioned in verses 137, 138, 144, and twice in verse 142. Each of these words comes from the same root, a word referring to moral rightness, something that is cleansed and justified. It contains no error and no spot whatsoever. The words are used to describe both God and His Word. It is certainly logical that since God is without flaw and entirely correct in everything, His Word is also. Such a pure God could not write anything with error.

In addition to the word righteous, there are several related words that carry similar meanings. Verse 137 contains the word upright, identifying God's judgments as being straight and equitable, never crooked. Verse 140 states that God's Word is "very pure." This picture is that of metal that has been refined by fire, with all the dross removed; it is exceedingly and wholly so. Verse 142 equates God's law with truth; it is certain, right, and without falsehood.

These words assure the believer that the Bible is trustworthy. Everything in it is correct and pure because the God who wrote it is correct and pure. Family and friends may give advice, but one never knows for sure if that advice can be relied on. Not so with God's Word. There is no room for failure, falsehood, misevaluation, or even the slightest variation from what is right. This characteristic makes the Word of God a wonderful guide for life. It is the manual with all of the right answers.

Other descriptions in these verses lift the Word of God to an even higher level (if that is possible). Words spoken or written by people can be right and true. The problem is that even when humans get something exactly right, their success is only temporary. What they say may be true now, but may not continue to hold true over the course of time. People do not maintain a consistent record. Sooner or later they fail.

God and the Bible never have that potential for failure. God gave His Word with "exceeding faithfulness" (v. 138). It is overwhelmingly firm and secure. God's righteousness is "everlasting" (v. 142). It will never fail, no matter how far into the future one goes. The final verse of the stanza states that the Word is righteous "forever" (v. 144). The wonderful truth about God's Word is that its righteousness will never end.

A believer does not have to be concerned that the Word that was right for his parents or grandparents will be wrong for him. In fact, he can look as far back as the apostles and the early church, even to Isaiah, David, Moses, or Adam. The Word that was right through all those millennia has not changed. It is still just as righteous today. Neither does a believer need to have concern that the Word will fail his children or grandchildren. The Bible will always be righteous.

This amazing truth is helpful and encouraging when the believer responds correctly to it. The psalmist states that he loves God's Word (v. 140) and that it is his delight (v. 143). Because of how faithful the Word is, the psalmist holds it in high regard. This adoration of the Word of God is perhaps simpler than the two other responses that the psalmist mentions.

First, he must have understanding of God's Word (v. 144). The Word cannot give comfort and help if the believer does not comprehend its meaning. It is knowledge of the faithful and righteous statements of God's Word that enables the believer to face life and respond correctly. Understanding of the truth gives help and hope. The truth of the Bible is still very real even if the believer does not understand, but it is the comprehension that gives hope and assurance.

Perhaps the most challenging of all is what the psalmist mentions in verse 141, where he states that he does not forget God's Word. All too often a believer knows the truth, but he fails to be helped by it because he forgets it at the critical time. Tensions and pressures take over. Emotions seize control. Anxious thoughts rule the mind, and the truth that ought to help is squeezed out. The problem is not with the effectiveness of the Word; it is with the focus of the believer. The Word is righteous forever; it will not let the believer down, but the believer must remember and focus on it to profit from its help.

"Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live." Psalm 119:144 (NASB)