Psalm 119:14 (NLT)
14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
David had asked God before to teach him His statues so
that he might understand God. In knowing God’s laws David rejoiced as much as
if he had been handed riches. For the riches he received in knowledge were as
valuable as any treasure could be.
A poor, good woman said, in time of persecution, when
they took away the Christian's Bibles, "I cannot part with my Bible; I
know not how to live without it." When a gracious soul has heard a
profitable sermon, he says, "Methinks it does me good at heart; it is the
greatest nourishment I have": I have rejoiced in the way of thy
testimonies, as much as in all riches. [Oliver Heywood, 1629-1702]
The way of thy testimonies. The testimony of God is his
word, for it testifies his will; the "way" of his testimony is the
practice of his word, and doing of that which he hath declared to be his will,
and wherein he hath promised to show us his love. David found not this
sweetness in hearing, reading, and professing the word only; but in practicing
of it: and in very deed, the only cause why we find not the comfort that is in
the word of God is that we practice it not by walking in the way thereof. It is
true, at the first it is bitter to nature, which loves carnal liberty, to
render itself as captive to the word: laboriosa virtutis via, and much pains
must be taken before the heart be subdued; but when it is once begun, it
renders such joy as abundantly recompenses all the former labour and grief. [William
Cowper]
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