A Threefold Internal Action of the Soul About the Word
Psalm 119:15-16
I will meditate in your precepts, and have respect to your ways.…


These two verses present to us a threefold internal action of David's soul towards the Word of God: first, meditation; secondly, consideration; thirdly, delectation; every one of these proceeds from the other and mutually strengthen one another. Meditation brings the Word to the mind; consideration views it, and looks at length into it; whereof is bred delectation. That which comes into the mind, were it never so good, if it be not considered, goes as it came; leaving neither instruction nor joy; but being once perfected by meditation, if it be pondered by consideration, then it breeds delectation; which is the perfection of godliness, in regard of the internal action. Thus we see that a godly man is ever fruitful in good: like that tree planted by the rivers of waters. For at the same time when his external good actions cannot be seen, he is not without internal good motions, breeding good in the root of his affection; which shortly brings out good fruit in his action, to the glory of God, and good of others.

(Bp. Cowper.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

WEB: I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.




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