What does it mean to "learn Your righteous judgments" in Psalm 119:7? Setting the Verse in Context Psalm 119:7 declares, “I will praise You with an upright heart when I learn Your righteous judgments.” It appears in the opening stanza (vv. 1–8), where the psalmist pledges wholehearted devotion to God’s law. The verse links learning God’s judgments with praising Him sincerely, revealing a cause-and-effect relationship between knowing truth and expressing worship. The Phrase in Focus: Learning God’s Righteous Judgments • “Learn” (Hebrew לִמֵּד, limmēd) means more than gathering information; it involves being trained, discipled, and shaped by what is learned. • “Righteous judgments” (Hebrew מִשְׁפְּטֵי־צִדְקֶךָ, mishpetei-tsidqecha) are God’s perfectly just decisions, ordinances, and verdicts. They are faultless, final standards of right and wrong (Psalm 19:9; Psalm 119:137-138). What “Learn” Looks Like Scripture depicts learning as a whole-life process: • Receiving the Word—regular reading and hearing (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Revelation 1:3). • Meditating—turning truth over in the heart until it becomes personal conviction (Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:97). • Obeying—acting on what is understood (James 1:22). • Persevering—continuing in the Word over time (John 8:31). Why God’s Judgments Are Called “Righteous” • They reflect His holy character; therefore they are inherently right (Psalm 145:17). • They never change with culture or opinion (Malachi 3:6). • They impart life and protection to those who heed them (Psalm 119:93). • They expose and correct error (2 Timothy 3:16). Putting the Parts Together To “learn Your righteous judgments” means to let God’s flawless rulings reshape thoughts, affections, and conduct until praise springs from a heart aligned with His ways. Learning is complete only when truth moves from the page to practice, producing uprightness and gratitude. How We Learn His Judgments Today • Daily Scripture intake—reading through the whole counsel of God so every judgment is heard. • Memorization—storing specific passages for ready recall (Psalm 119:11). • Corporate worship and teaching—gathering where the Word is preached faithfully (Acts 2:42). • Life application—testing decisions against Scripture’s clear standards (Psalm 119:105). • Loving correction—welcoming biblical accountability from mature believers (Proverbs 27:17). Fruit of Learning: Praise and Integrity When God’s judgments are learned: • Praise becomes sincere, not routine (Psalm 119:171). • The heart grows upright, free from hypocrisy (Psalm 86:11). • Obedience flows from love rather than mere duty (John 14:21). • Strong confidence arises, even under pressure, because God’s verdicts stand (Psalm 119:42-43). Key Takeaways • Learning implies disciplined, obedient assimilation of God’s ordinances. • God’s judgments are eternally right and reveal His character. • Genuine praise is the natural outcome of internalizing and obeying those judgments. • A lifestyle of daily engagement with Scripture is the pathway to ongoing learning and upright living. |
    |