Wisdom

“The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.” (Psalms 37:30-31)

In these short phrases David pens a couple phrases that help me understand how God wants our thoughts and minds to be centered.

WISDOM:

Barnes Commentary says “It is a characteristic of the righteous to speak “wise things;” not to utter folly. His conversation is serious, earnest, true, pure; and his words are faithful, kind, and just.” How do we get wise words? By filling our mind with the things of God, and making sure that our thoughts are centered on Him. Identifying those thoughts that are contrary to the knowledge of God, taking them captive and replacing them with His thoughts and wisdom.

JUSTICE:

In this phrase David isn’t talking about us judging others, but being aware of Who is the ultimate finder and dispenser of justice. Being aware of the shortcomings in our own lives and what justice we deserve will help us look with compassion and grace on others.

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Some commentaries view these first two phrases to mean that the righteous are to serve as teachers and guides, by instructing others to live well, and leading them in the way. Calvin thought this was too restrictive an interpretation, writing “Wisdom and uprightness are here opposed as much to the profane and filthy language by which the wicked endeavor to blot out the name of God, as to cunning and fraud, and every species of stratagem and deceit; and also to the threats and terrors by which they endeavor to frighten the simple. The meaning therefore is, first, that the righteous speak honourably and reverently of the righteousness of God, that they may cherish in themselves and others, to a large extent, the knowledge and the fear of God; secondly, that both in their own affairs and those of others, they approve, without disguise or deceit, of what is just and reasonable, and are not given to justify what is wrong under the color and varnish of sophistry; and, finally, that they never depart from the truth.”

David goes on to say that “The law of God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.” When we have our minds and thoughts focused on God and His word, then that will direct all aspects of our life. The key isn’t in trying to worry about every single step you take during the day – if your mind in centered on God, your steps will be directed.

You don’t have to constantly spout scriptures, or be the one who is always talking about God. Be the one whose life exudes the things of God and is an example of a Christ follower so that others are attracted not to you, but what is within you. God is telling us here that when we have that kind of God-centered life, your steps will not slip.

What does that mean? Does it mean we won’t ever fall – or course not! This life is filled with trials and tribulations, but it means that our journey will be sure and our destination guaranteed. The trip may be filled with ups and downs but at the end of our life we will arrive safely. His thoughts are a heavenly GPS that will keep us headed towards Him, and along the way will attract others to Him and offer us the opportunity to witness for Him and minister to others.

I found these short verses very inspiring, and hope you do as well.

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(DISCLAIMER: I read several sources, commentaries, devotionals, etc., when I study the bible. Some of what I write is heavily inspired by what I read, and some sections may not be all my own words. I try to distill and paraphrase but there are way too many great writers who know the depths of God’s Word more than I ever will. I try to give credit where possible, and I don’t want anyone to think that everything I write comes straight from my brain – it’s all inspired by God and others He has chosen to write through. I encourage you to look to those who have also studied and written about Scripture, while at the same time remembering they are only men, and the ONLY true standard is the Word of God – everything written by me or any other human MUST be measured against that standard.)