Psalms 119:171

171 Let my lips speak praise, because you teach me your laws.

Psalms 119:171 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 119:171

My lips shall utter praise
Like water flowing from a fountain, as the word F13 signifies. The heart of a good man is like a fountain of water, abounding: with good things, and his mouth is a well of life; out of the abundance of grace and good things in his heart his mouth speaks, ( John 4:14 ) ( Proverbs 10:11 ) ( Matthew 12:34 Matthew 12:35 ) ; and particularly his heart is filled with praise and thankfulness for the many blessings of providence and grace enjoyed; his lips show it forth; it comes flowing from him freely and readily, without force and compulsion, largely and plentifully, constantly and continually, and with great vehemence and strength, as streams from a fountain;

when thou hast taught me thy statutes:
which is what the psalmist often prays for in this psalm; and signifies he should be very thankful to God for, and should sincerely praise him, could he obtain this favour; see ( Psalms 119:7 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F13 (hnebt) "profundent", Vatablus, Musculus; "ebullient", Piscator, Gejerus; "scaturiunt", Cocceius; "scaturient", Michaelis.

Psalms 119:171 In-Context

169 (Tav) Let my cry come before you, ADONAI; in keeping with your word, give me understanding.
170 Let my prayer come before you; in keeping with your promise, rescue me.
171 Let my lips speak praise, because you teach me your laws.
172 Let my tongue sing of your promise, because all your mitzvot are righteous.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me, because I choose your precepts.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.