Refined Through Affliction: The Value of Yahuah’s Turah

In these verses from Psalm 119:69-74, the psalmist acknowledges the slander of the proud and their spiritual dullness, contrasting their condition with his own steadfast love for Yahuah’s Turah. Through affliction, he has gained wisdom, recognizing that the teachings of Yahuah are more valuable than wealth. He humbly seeks understanding, knowing that those who fear Yahuah will find encouragement in his perseverance and trust in the Word.
Supporting Scripture:
1. Affliction Leading to Wisdom –
* Psalm 119:71 – "It was good for me that I was afflicted, That I might learn Your laws."
* Job 23:10 – "Yet He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."
2. The Proud and Their Lies –
* Psalm 119:69 – "The proud have forged a lie against me, With all my heart I observe Your orders."
* Psalm 31:18 – "Let the lying lips be silenced, which speak insolently against the righteous with pride and contempt."
3. Spiritual Dullness of the Wicked –
* Psalm 119:70 – "Their heart has become like fat, Without feeling; I have delighted in Your Turah."
* Isaiah 6:10 – "Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed."
4. The Value of Yahuah’s Turah –
* Psalm 119:72 – "The Turah of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces."
* Proverbs 8:10-11 – "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies, and all that you may desire cannot compare to it."
5. Created for Understanding and Obedience –
* Psalm 119:73 – "Your hands have made me and formed me; Make me understand, that I might learn Your commands."
* Isaiah 64:8 – "But now, O Yahuah, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand."
6. Encouragement for Those Who Fear Yahuah –
* Psalm 119:74 – "Those who fear You see me and rejoice, For I have waited for Your Word."
* Malachi 3:16 – "Then those who feared Yahuah spoke to one another, and Yahuah listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear Yahuah and who meditate on His name."
Conclusion:
These verses remind us that suffering refines the believer, making Yahuah’s wisdom more precious than earthly wealth. Though the proud may slander and harden their hearts, the righteous find joy in Yahuah’s commands, knowing they were formed for His purpose. Those who fear Yahuah will find strength in the faithfulness of those who wait upon His Word.