obey it. It enlightens the eyes, illuminating what is dark and puzzling. It endures for ever

and is eternal like God Himself.

The Psalmist goes on to declare the true worth or value of the Word and here we get

advice which is so greatly needed today.  More and more the god of materialism

dominates mankind. People are trained from all angles to believe that the chief and only

thing that matters is money and material possessions.

Politicians everywhere and the media constantly dangle this lie before the people

young and old. They forget the words of One Who declared Himself to be the Truth, and

He said "Take heed and beware of all covetousness, for a man's life does not consist in

the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12: 15 R.S.V.). Would that this was blazoned

from the housetops today. Even if it was, the probability is that few would heed it, so

great the enslavement of the human mind to this deception.

David had his priorities right and this should be the concern of all of us today. God's

Word, he declared, was better than all the money and riches that the world can offer,

better than much fine gold (Psa. 19: 10). It is sweeter and more satisfying than honey

and moreover it warns us concerning things that can only bring unhappiness and sorrow.

It not only constrains but restrains, and so brings the reward of peace and contentment to

those who obey it. The Psalmist knew some of his own weakness, yet realized his

knowledge was partial even regarding his own sins and failings. Who can completely

discern all his own errors? he asks, and he proceeds to pray that God would restrain him

from presumptuous sins and their domination. Then, he said, I shall be innocent from the

great transgression or better, much transgression.

The last words of his prayer are those we can all continually use with real sincerity:

"let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight,

O Lord, my strength and my redeemer".  The word strength is the word `rock',

immoveable, strong and utterly dependable. Redeemer is gaal, kinsman-redeemer, the

One Who became human and is therefore touched with the feeling of our infirmities and

weaknesses and completely understands us (Heb. 4: 15, 16). We can therefore come

boldly to Him at all times, knowing that He not only understands us, but, in His great

love, can undertake in every circumstance and time of need.