Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 119:120

1. Describe the true character of the fear.

(a) It is the fear of reverence for God's authority and power.

(b) It is the fear of horror against sin as meriting judgment.

2. Show its compatibility with filial love.

(a) The more we love God the more firmly we believe in the certainty and awfulness of his judgments.

(b) The more we love God the more will we fear to arouse his chastising rod against ourselves.

(a) In fact, if we love not God, we shall have no fear lest sin should involve us in judgment.

3. Commend it.

(a) As it proves a just sense of sin's desert.

(b) As it shows a true appreciation of God's righteousness.

(c) As it is not a fear that hath torment, but a fear which increases watchfulness, and walks hand in hand with perfect confidence in saying grace. J.F.

Psalms 119:121*