The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Psalm 19:7-11
After describing the general revelation of God in the creation (Psalms 19:1-6), David shifted to His special revelation in Scripture (Psalms 19:7-11). Verses 12-14 explain why the law of the Lord is so precious as it brings purity when properly received. Like many physical maladies, unless we know we are sick, we will never seek treatment. And, like many physical maladies untreated spiritual diseases will kill us. Sadly, most do not share David’s view of God’s word. Many consider His law oppressive, overly restrictive, and therefore undesirable. Much of the world rejects His commandments outright. Others pay lip service to them while giving little attention to practicing them in their lives. Considering that our eternal destiny hinges on whether we know God or not (John 17:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9), why do so many not embrace the Scriptures that reveal Him?
Though there are several potential contributing factors, it really all comes down to one reality. The Scriptures that reveal our God, His nature, and His will also reveal us, our nature, and our stubborn and often rebellious will (James 1:21-25). Jesus said as much in John 3:18-21 when describing the world’s reaction to the light He came to shed on them. Coming to faith by hearing His word (Romans 10:17) is never a neutral encounter. It always demands a response, and sometimes that response is more than people are willing to give. People reject the law of the Lord because they enjoy their evil deeds and do not desire to have those deeds exposed. Much the same as our eyes recoil when a bright light comes on when we have been in darkness for some time, so our spiritual eyes may recoil when confronted with the radiant light of the gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4).
As for those who do know the will of the Lord but refuse to adhere to it, the process of spiritual formation is more troublesome than these desire to endure. Hebrews 12:5-11 was written for those who respond in this way. The reason some balk at the discipline of the Lord is that they view it improperly, much like many who balk at holding children accountable and teaching them the consequences of their actions. These think painful or difficult circumstances ought always to be avoided. Though I understand the desire to cling to comfort, the conclusion is false and detrimental to all who embrace it. Discipline demonstrates God’s Fatherly love (Hebrews 12:5-8). Though momentarily unpleasant, it “…yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (vs. 11).
Back to David’s assessment in Psalm 19. David was a man who knew the horrible results of rebellion. He knew that God’s law, precepts, judgments, etc. were the answer to being kept back from presumptuous sins (vs. 13). He understood the law of the Lord was not oppressive or restrictive. He knew it was as Moses said, “…for our good always, that He might preserve us alive” (Deuteronomy 6:24). As the Hebrews writer said, He disciplines us “…for our profit that we may be partakers of His holiness…without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:10, 14). With this picture in mind, we echo David in declaring that God’s word is sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. Can you taste the sweetness of His will?