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Psalm 19:7 - God's Law Is Perfect Converting The Soul.

Psalm 19:7 (NKJV) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

Psalm 19:7 (ESV) The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

INTRODUCTION

When we think of the law, we often think of something that keeps us from having fun. But here we see the opposite - law that revives us, makes us wise, gives joy to the heart, gives light to the eyes, warns us, and rewards us. That's because God's laws are guidelines and lights for our path, rather than chains on our hands and feet. They point at danger and warn us, then point at success and guide us. [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARLS

There is not a negative in that law, although it may appear thus. It is DO, and Live (Letter 89, 1898). 1BC1105

God has given us His holy precepts, because He loves mankind. To shield us from the results of transgression..... The law is an expression of the thought of God; when received in Christ, it becomes our thought. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. God desires us to be happy, and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them we might have joy.... When the law was proclaimed from Sinai, God made known to men the holiness of His character, that by contrast they might see the sinfulness of their own. The law was given to convict them of sin, and reveal their need of a Saviour. It would do this as its principles were applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit. DA308

By His own obedience to the law, Christ testified to its immutable character and proved that through His grace it could be perfectly obeyed by every son and daughter of Adam.... Because the law of the Lord is perfect, and therefore changeless, it is impossible for sinful men, in themselves, to meet the standard of its requirement. This was why Jesus came as our Redeemer. It was His mission, by making men partakers of the divine nature, to bring them into harmony with the principles of the law of heaven. MB50-51

COMMENTARY

The World's Bestseller!
   It is small wonder that the Bible has always been the world's bestseller! No other book can touch its profound wisdom, its poetic beauty, or the accuracy of its history and prophecy. Its critics, who claimed it to be filled with forgery, fiction, and unfulfilled promises, are finding that the difficulties lie with themselves and not the Bible. Greater and more careful scholarship has shown that apparent contradictions were caused by incorrect translations rather than divine inconsistencies. It was man and not the Bible who needed correcting. Someone has said, "The Bible does not have to be rewritten, but reread."
   As we cast our eyes around for something that is real and true and enduring, we are turning once more to this ancient Book that has given consolation, comfort, and salvation to millions in the centuries past. The Bible embodies all the knowledge man needs to fill the longing of his soul and solve all his problems. It is the blueprint of the Master Architect, and only by following its directions can we build the life we are seeking.
   How can reading God's Word help you? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham]

The Value of the Bible
   It can be a shock to look at your high school yearbook photo years later. And if you're like me, you've said, "What was I thinking?" That's because hairstyles change. Fashion changes. Culture changes. And technology changes.
   As soon as something new comes along, something else quickly replaces it. Even newspapers become rapidly outdated because we have direct access to the latest news.
   In contrast, God's Word is always fresh. It's always new.
   The psalmist David wrote, "The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living" (Psalm 19:7-8 NLT).
   Unlike the flawed, imperfect reasoning of humanity, the Word of God is perfect.
   The Word of God is also a treasure. David continued, "The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold" (verses 9-10 NLT).
   The Book of Proverbs compares searching the Scriptures to mining for gold. A modern version describes it this way: "If you make Insight your priority, and won't take no for an answer, searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt, believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; you'll have come upon the Knowledge of God" (2:3-5 MSG).
   That is a great way to approach the Bible.
   When you arrive at the last day of your life, you won't care about how much money you have. But you will care about what the Bible says. This is the book that tells you how to go to Heaven. This is the book that helps you know God. [Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]

Revived and Refreshed
   If you've ever been in the hot sun and then dove into the ocean, a lake, or a swimming pool, you know what it feels like to be revived and refreshed.
   I love the word refresh. It's such a perfect term to describe starting again or returning to something.
   Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light" (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT).
   Could you use some spiritual refreshment? The place to find it is God Himself. The psalmist David wrote, "The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul" (Psalm 19:7 NLT). We will find spiritual refreshment when we read and study the Bible.
   We don't always have an emotional experience when we open God's Word and read it. But this isn't about emotions. It's about replenishment, restoration, and gaining perspective on life. It's about getting direction from the Lord. And as you open the Bible, the Word of God, it will refresh your soul.
   You also will be spiritually refreshed when you think of others more than yourself. This may seem counterintuitive in today's selfie culture. But when we stop thinking about ourselves so much and instead think about others, it will refresh us. As we give to others, we'll find that we're spiritually replenished (see Proverbs 11:25).
   Do you need a spiritual reboot? Spend time in God's presence. Study the Word of God. Put the needs of others above your own. Then you will find spiritual refreshment. [Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]

CLOSING PEARL

Reflecting Wisdom
   Both ancient and modern philosophers, from Aristotle and Confucius to Descartes and Kant, have tried to define wisdom. Confucius, a well-known Chinese teacher born in 551 BC, is credited with saying, "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is bitterest"
   This method to gain wisdom could work, especially if Christ is added to the equation. It is by reflecting, imitating, and experiencing Christ that wisdom is gained. It also comes by reading and following "the law of the LORD," which "is perfect," and which Christ perfectly reflected in His life on Earth. By showing us our sinfulness in contrast to Christ's righteousness, the law begins the process of "converting the soul." This phrase, from the Hebrew words meshi bath nephesh, means "restoring" or "bringing back the soul" to God's image (Genesis 1:26, 27).
   The repentant sinner will also find that "the testimony of the LORD is sure" - is "verified" or "confirmed," according to a definition of the Hebrew word neemanah. God's law and testimony, having been verified as true by the death of Christ, will never lead anyone astray. It will always lead to happiness in Him and will make the simple - the naive - wise. Anyone who is teachable and humble can learn wisdom.
   Wisdom is obtained by reading and following biblical principles. ONLY ELEVEN PERCENT OF AMERICANS ARE WISE ENOUGH TO READ THEIR BIBLES EVERY DAY. If you want wisdom, make every effort to daily read your Bible, so you can reflect Christ's wise character.
   Heavenly Father, You are wise beyond measure! Please help me to have a teachable spirit, so when I daily read my Bible I will gain valuable insight from You. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Psalm 19:7 - If You Want to Be Transformed.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220725-0838.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220326-0836.html

Psalm 19:7-11 - Scripture's Special Revelation of God.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20040903-0944.html

2 Timothy 3:15-17 - The Bible: God's Owner's Manual for Life.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240730-1228.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/