Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 119:17

That I may live, and keep thy word. David joins here two together, which whosoever disjoins cannot be blessed. He desires to live; but so to live that he may keep God's word. To a reprobate man, who lives a rebel to his Maker, it had been good (as our Saviour said of Judas) that he had never been born. The shorter his life is, the fewer are his sins and the smaller his judgments. But to an elect man, life is a great benefit; for by it he goes from election to glorification, by the way of sanctification. The longer he lives, the more good he doth, to the glory of God, the edification of others, and confirmation of his own salvation; making it sure to himself by wrestling and victory in temptations, and perseverance in well doing. William Cowper.

HINTS TO PREACHERS.

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

Ver. 17-24. Divine bounties desired. Life, for godly service (Psalms 119:17). Illumination (Psalms 119:18). Guidance homeward for the stranger ("thy commandments") (Psalms 119:19-20), and, glancing at the proud who err from this guidance (Psalms 119:21), the Psalmist prays for removal of the "reproach" entailed by fidelity to God (Psalms 119:22-24).

HINTS TO PREACHERS.