Psalm 119:163

163 I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love thy law.

Psalm 119:163 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 119:163

I hate and abhor lying
The sin of lying in common conversation, which owes its rise to Satan, the father of lies; is common to human nature, though very dishonourable to it; exceeding unbecoming a professor of religion; and was greatly hated by David, as it ought to be by all good men, ( Psalms 101:7 ) . Or "falsehood" ^F11; false doctrine; everything contrary to the truth of the word of God, with all false worship, superstition, and idolatry; and this may the rather be thought to be designed, since the law or doctrine of God is opposed to it in the next clause;

[but] thy law do I love;
because holy, just, and true; he being a regenerate man, and having it written on his heart, he loved both the precepts of the law and the doctrines of the Gospel: or, "thy doctrine"; the doctrine concerning God, his mind and will, his grace and love; see ( Psalms 119:97 Psalms 119:113 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 (rqv) "falsitatem", Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis.

Psalm 119:163 In-Context

161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of thy words.

162 I rejoice at thy word like one who finds great spoil.

163 I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love thy law.

164 Seven times a day I praise thee for thy righteous ordinances.

165 Great peace have those who love thy law; nothing can make them stumble.