What the eyes are to one’s ability to see, insight is to one’s soul. Insight has been defined as “the capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of a person, subject, or thing.” That’s exactly what Psalm 19 is all about. It’s about coming “to gain an accurate and deep understanding” of God through His powerful revelation of Himself in Creation (Psalm 19:1-6), Scripture (7-10), and Salvation (11-14). Looking up and around at Creation and looking at and within Scripture should provide sufficient insight for understanding the God Who makes Salvation possible (cf. Romans 1:19-20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Let’s focus especially on Psalm 19:11-14 and what it teaches about the need for insight.
INSIGHT IS PRACTICAL. “Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (19:11). Speaking of God’s word, David through the Holy Spirit states here the function of Scripture. It is to “warn” and to “motivate” – there is “great reward” in “keeping” the will of God. God gave Scripture to man to DO something – to reveal Himself and to warn and to motivate us. It only makes sense we should DO something with Scripture to God’s eternal glory and praise!
INSIGHT IS TRANSFORMATIONAL. Insight is needed for ALL the circumstances and situations of life. The greater one’s insight of God, the greater sense one also will have of the gravity of sin. “Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression” (19:12-13). The insight the Psalmist had gained from God’s revelation of Himself through Creation and Scripture caused him to want to be “innocent” and “blameless” before Him. How about us? Further, consider the types of sin he specifically mentions. (1) He speaks of “hidden faults” (vs. 12). He asks for God’s forgiveness when he had been blind to his own faults. Perhaps like me, you too have often been baffled by our obliviousness at the moment to sinful thoughts, words and actions. We failed to properly see them for what they were at the time. (2) Again, David also speaks of “presumptuous sins” (vs. 13). These are those times when with clenched fist and defiant, arrogant heart one willfully violates God’s will. He wisely prays for pardon for hidden sins and for power and strength to avoid presumptuous sins. The old hymn says it beautifully: “Purer in Heart Oh God, Help Me to Be!”
INSIGHT IS RELATIONAL. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (vs. 14). This Psalm ends with the following thought: “Because of God’s marvelous revelation of Himself in Creation and Scripture, may I beautifully reflect His salvation in my words, thoughts and heart. Not just sometimes but always.” Don’t miss the key expression, “be acceptable in Your sight.” God’s revelation of Himself should lead to our reflection of Him in a way that is “acceptable” in His sight. This language is the terminology of sacrifice and praise. It also is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. This psalm began with the glory of God revealed in creation, but it ends with the glory of God revealed in the psalmist (and in us)! He’s our Lord, Rock, and Redeemer!
Mike Vestal
