Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 119:169

According to the word. David here seeks understanding not carnally, for the wisdom of the flesh is death: but he seeks understanding according to God's word. Without this the wisdom of man is foolishness; and the more subtil he seems to be in his ways, the more deeply he involves himself in the snare of the devil. "They have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?" Jeremiah 8:9. But seeing he was an excellent prophet, and protested before that he had more understanding than the ancients, yea, than his teachers; how is it that he still prays for understanding? In answer to this we are to know, that there is a great difference between the gifts of nature and grace. Nature ofttimes gives to man very excellent gifts, as rare memory, knowledge, quick wit, strength, external beauty; but therewithal it teacheth not man to consider that in which he is wanting; whereof it comes to pass, that he waxeth proud of that which he hath. This is a common thing to men in the state of nature, that of small gifts they conceive a great pride: but grace, as it gives to man more excellent gifts than nature can afford, so it teacheth him to look unto that which he wants, that he be not puffed up by considering that which he hath, but carried in all humility of heart to pray for that which he wants. Abraham Wright.

HINTS TO PREACHERS.

Outlines Upon Keywords of the Psalm, By Pastor C. A. Davis.

Verses 169-176. The concluding cry. Bespeaking audience for his the Psalmist asks for understanding and deliverance (ver. 169, 170); raises to praise God (ver. 171), and to speak of God (ver. 172), and cries for help (ver. 173), salvation (ver. 174), life (ver. 175), and (ver. 176).

HINTS TO PREACHERS.

Ver. 169,170.

1. The singular dignity of prayer. We are on earth, but our prayers pass the seraphim and "come near before God."

2. The powerful right of prayer to urge with God his own word: "according to thy word."

3. The triumphant possibilities of prayer. Blessing us in mind and estate. For time and eternity. "Give me understanding." "Deliver me."

4. The amazing license accorded to prayer. To double and reiterate its requests (as here).

W.B.H.