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For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD.
1 An oracle is within my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God
before his eyes.
2 For in his own eyes he flatters himself
too much to detect or hate his sin.
3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;
he has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 Even on his bed he plots evil;
he commits himself to a sinful course
and does not reject what is wrong.
5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
10 Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 May the foot of the proud not come against me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 See how the evildoers lie fallen—
thrown down, not able to rise!
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New International Version 1984 (NIV1984) - Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
I have often wondered, "What are the foundations for living a sinless life?" What general principles are there that, if applied on a daily basis, I can live a life of righteousness instead of sin. Verses 1 & 2 give some insight.
ReplyDelete"An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin."
Self Flattery. When I look at myself and I detect that anything or anyone other than God is the most loved and respected influence on my life and the decisions I make, I have built a life on the foundation of self flattery. In essence I have said that, "I know better than God as to what should be the foundation of my decisions." And when this happens, I flatter myself. You see I have not properly understood who God is, what he has done and can do, and thus developed a respect or fear for God.
On the other hand, if I have a fear for God, then I make him the foundation for my life and the decisions I make. That brings up the question, "What about God, who he is and what he has done, will bring a fear or respect of him into my heart?" Verses 6 & 7 answer that question: His righteousness, His justice, and His unfailing love.
God, today, help me to see and understand your righteousness, your justice, and your unfailing love so that I will not build a life on the foundation of self flattery that leads to wickedness.