[ 1 minutes to read ]
I will praise thee with uprightness of heart,
when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
~ Psalm 119:7
In the seventh verse of this first stanza, prayer is turned to praise. The Psalmist desires not only to praise, but to praise “with uprightness of heart.” His praise is the overflow of pursuing the holiness of God. Sanctification and growth in grace lead most naturally to extolling God in all His perfection. God’s praise is fitting for the righteous.
Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
– Psalm 33:1Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
– Psalm 147:1
This appropriate praise is conditioned on learning God’s “righteous judgments.” The proper praise of God is “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). Judgment means to set upright. The word is used 23 times in this Psalm. God’s judgments are always righteous. We are judged by them and are to judge by them. Only the upright of heart can glory in the righteous judgments of God, because their righteousness is not their own (Philippians 3:9).
Link for Psalm 119 Sermon Series
God has blessed me beyond measure. I am so thankful for the ability to sing and play piano for His glory. He is all I need.