How does Psalm 119:70 describe the hearts of the arrogant? Context of Psalm 119:70 “Their hearts are hard and callous, but I delight in Your law.” • “Their” refers to arrogant oppressors who reject God’s ways. • The psalmist draws a stark contrast: hardened hearts versus a heart that treasures God’s instruction. Key Phrase: “Hard and Callous” • “Hard” (literally “fat”) pictures a heart thick, insensitive, unresponsive. • “Callous” deepens the idea—like skin toughened by repeated friction, these hearts feel nothing toward God’s truth. What “Hard” Signifies • Resistance to conviction (cf. Exodus 8:15; Hebrews 3:13). • Self-satisfaction that dulls spiritual sensitivity. • Inability to receive God’s Word (cf. Matthew 13:15). What “Callous” Signifies • Moral numbness—sin no longer stings (Ephesians 4:18–19). • Lack of compassion toward others (Proverbs 21:13). • A settled posture of pride; repentance seems unnecessary (Jeremiah 17:9). Contrast with the Psalmist’s Heart • “I delight in Your law.” – Soft, teachable, eager to obey. – Finds pleasure where the arrogant find boredom or offense. • Highlights the power of God’s Word to shape tender hearts (Psalm 119:11, 105). Related Scriptures on Arrogant Hearts • Proverbs 28:14 — “Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” • Romans 2:5 — “Because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself.” • Zechariah 7:12 — “They made their hearts like flint… so they could not hear the law.” Takeaways for Today • Arrogance produces spiritual calluses; humility keeps the heart alive to God. • Regular, joyful engagement with Scripture softens what pride hardens. • The health of the heart is measured by its responsiveness to God’s Word, not by outward success or self-confidence. |
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