Psalms 119:169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word! Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
The Psalmist wanted his understanding of life and the world shaped – transformed – by the word of God. He wanted his thoughts to be transformed according to the word of God. He wanted deliverance, but wanted it only as it was consistent with God’s revealed word and will. This is very much the same kind of thought the Apostle Paul expressed in Romans 12:-2: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Our lips can praise God when our taught His word; and taught by God Himself. We do not not praise God by nature; we have to be taught God’s truth, and taught from God Himself.
Knowing the pure truth and inerrancy of God’s word will encourage and inspire us to want to speak of it to others. Our confidence will make us want to share it with others.
“Then should we break through our sinful silence; we should no more be cowardly and halfhearted, but should be true witnesses for Jesus. It is not only of God’s works that we are to speak, but of his word.” (Spurgeon)
