In this section, the psalmist is very emotional. He begins the section by telling the Lord how much he loves the law of God; he loves it to such an extent that he meditates on it throughout the day (v. 97). Spurgeon says that ‘This was both the effect of his love to the law and the cause of that love. He meditated in God’s word because he loved it, and he loved it the more because he meditated in it. He could not have enough of it, so ardently did he love it.’
This is not an exaggeration since he says in verse 98 that the law is constantly with him and enabling him to respond correctly to whatever situation comes along. His opponents are unable to compete with his wisdom. In every situation, he has discovered that God’s way is best.
His constant focus on the law has enabled him to be wiser than his teachers (those with most knowledge) and the aged in society (those with most experience). Thinking about God’s requirements and keeping them has made him the person that he is (vv. 99-100). He has become like the person described in Psalm 1 who meditated on the law of the Lord and became like a tree under which others found shelter.
The psalmist describes his holy carefulness regarding his obedience. It was comprehensive – he did not allow himself to take one wrong step, because taking such a little step would prevent him adhering entirely to God’s precepts. He wanted to remain loyal to the Lord because he had taught him what the law was about (vv. 101-02).
In verses 103 and 104, he mentions two consequences of his constant adherence to God’s law. First, he tells God that his words were sweeter than honey. He had tasted them and discovered that was always the case. Second, having been enlightened by God’s law, he hated all false ways.
The psalmist shows us how learning, love and loyalty go together. Learning God’s ways leads to love of them and him, and love makes us want to please him.
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