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Psalm 119:71 "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes."

Day 290 – Psalm 119:65-72

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.” Psalm 119:71

STRUGGLES WITH ENEMIES

The psalmist once again mentions his struggles with his enemies. They were relentless in their attacks against him.

“The proud have forged a lie against me,
But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
Their heart is as fat as grease,
But I delight in Your law.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.”
Psalm 119:69-72

1. The enemies identified

a) They were the proud.

b) They abused the law, forging lies against the innocent.

c) They were wealthy people, able to feast till their hearts were as fat as grease.

2. Affliction suffered

a) In the bruising battle with the proud.

b) Some losses may have been suffered along the way (implied).

c) It is possible that the psalmist may have made friends with the proud.

d) However he discovered that these were bad companions.

e) He found out, painfully, just how wicked these proud friends were.

f) As easily as they would offer friendship, they would also attack the righteous.

3. Reflection on afflictions suffered

a) Lessons learned amidst affliction seemed more effective even if more painful.

b) The psalmist was able to declare that his affliction suffered was “good” for he could have otherwise continued to go astray.

c) He now valued the Word of God above the possession of great wealth.