Psalms 119:119

119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like 1dross, therefore 2I love your testimonies.

Psalms 119:119 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 119:119

Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth [like] dross,
&c.] Which is of no worth and value, useless and unprofitable; which is cast into the fire, and separated from the choice metal. This expresses the character and state of wicked men; who are of no account with God, are of no profit and advantage to him; nor to men, but harmful and pernicious; are cast into the fire of God's judgments here, and into everlasting burnings hereafter; and will be separated from the righteous, and have no part and lot with them: these seem to be hypocrites also, who have made a show of being gold and silver, when they were nothing but dross; and being reprobate silver, were rejected of God as such;

therefore I love thy testimonies;
which discover such persons when brought to be tried by them; and which require purity of heart and life, and caution against evil ways and evil men, and are a means of preserving from them.

Psalms 119:119 In-Context

117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.
121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Isaiah 1:25; [Ezekiel 22:18; Malachi 3:2, 3]
  • 2. ver. 97
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.