Psalms in Psalms: 19 and 119

(See below for the original)

Memorizing Scripture is a great way to focus on the meaning of the passage and to integrate it into the context. Psalm 19 is an exciting example of this. I have been memorizing verses 7 through 11. They are excerpted here: (For full text follow link.)
7 The instruction of the Lord, the testimony of the Lord, the precepts of the Lord, the command of the Lord, the fear of the Lord, the ordinances of the Lord ...

Here is the final thought:
10 They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb. 11 In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them.

The descriptions of the Word of the Lord help to highlight and explain what and how we interact with them. Then verse 10 gives us the value proposition. Notice MORE desirable than gold, even pure gold. Pure gold is described as 24K. And David proclaims that God’s commands are more desirable. Some things that are valuable, are not really very attractive or “friendly.”

For instance plutonium would cost more than gold, but who wants a ring or other jewelry from that? So using the term “desirable” David is implying more than value. It is worthwhile, useful, and  more meaningful than monetary value. Notice that the value is intrinsic. It is not derived from FOLLOWING them. It is there, regardless of what we do with it.

Second he says it is sweeter than honey. Honey out of the comb. Why would he specify that? I was looking at a bottle of honey years ago and noted that it had “sugared.” An expert heard my comment and informed me that when honey has sugared, it is evidence that it is pure honey.

A lot of commercial honey is mixed with syrup specifically to keep it from forming sugar. Ironic that a diluted product is chosen over a pure one. And syrup is not as sweet as honey. David’s comparison is the reverse of syrup mixtures. It is sweeter than honey.

Again, we do not need to taste honey for it to be sweet. It is inherently sweet and we realize and enjoy that when we consume it.

Which brings us to verse 11.
In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them.
The value and sweetness of God’s Word becomes personal to us when we “keep” it. We are warned away from evil and have the “reward” of not being condemned as an evil doer–or criminal. Now that nicely couples with Psalm 119:101-104.
I have kept my feet from every evil path to follow Your word. 102 I have not turned from Your judgments, for You Yourself have instructed me. 103 How sweet Your word is to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth. 104 I gain understanding from Your precepts;therefore I hate every false way.

Note the reference to sweetness again. The writer is using a comparison. Which is better or more desirable, to keep on the straight and narrow–and out of prison–or run wild for a while and “do the time?” An old saying affirms that “stolen bread is sweet.” Psalms 19 and 119 both counter that keeping out of trouble, i.e. not stealing, is sweeter.

A popular exclamation when things go well, is, “Sweet!” Psalms gives us reinforcement. Keep clean and pure. Keep  sweet.