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"I have done what is just and right; ... I hate every false way."

~ Psalm 119:121a, 128b

 

The psalmist has been demonstrating humility and submission to the LORD and to his Word all throughout this psalm.  He has done so in a variety of ways, including utilizing the word “servant.”  In the first 120 verses he has done so 7 times (in the ESV translation), never more than twice in a section, but now in this section he uses it 3 times.  This word will only be used an addition 3 times in the final 48 verses.

Perhaps the author does so to keep his own heart in check as he makes a few bold statements in these refrains.  He begins by laying claim to having done “what is just and right;” (v.121).  Then, in verse 126, he is telling the LORD “It is time…to act.”  And lastly, he concludes by saying, “I hate every false way” (128).

The psalmist further commits himself to humility and submission as a servant of the LORD by requesting a “pledge of good” (v.122) in protection from his insolent oppressors.  He expresses his desire for the LORD’s “salvation and…fulfillment of [his] righteous promise” (v.123).  Despite his claim to doing what is just and right, he knows that his greatest need is to be dealt with “according to [the LORD’s] steadfast love” (v.124).  He confesses his finiteness and incompleteness by continuing to ask to be taught (v.124) and to gain further knowledge (v.125). 

The bookends of this section of the psalm are a very convicting challenge.  Can I say that I have done what is just and right, and that I hate every false way??  Or do I still foster a love for some of the false ways of the world?  Do I still pursue injustice and wrongdoing so satisfy my own pleasures?  These bookends cannot stand without what comes between them; a longing for the salvation and righteous promise of God, an attitude of learning, knowing and loving the commandments of God, and a relationship with him sourced in his steadfast love.

May we help each other find ourselves in this place!