Psalm 19:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

NIV: The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

NASB: The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

CSB: The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one's life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.

NLT: The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

KJV: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

NKJV: The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

Although creation points to the Creator (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:18–20), it does not provide a complete picture of His attributes and will. Creation was placed under a curse when Adam and Eve sinned, so at times it may present a distorted picture of God. For example, the recurring seasons show that He is faithful and benevolent, but natural disasters may lead humans to picture the Creator as cruel. However, as David states in this verse, "the law of the LORD is perfect."

David did not have the whole Bible to consult, but he had the full record of the statutes and precepts God had given to Israel. The law that God had given to Israel in written form was flawless. As such, it can revive the soul. It gives life to those who heed it and revival when the human spirit is downcast. David also affirms that "the testimony of the LORD is sure." This is a reference, in part, to the Ten Commandments. They impart wisdom to the humble, those who exercise a childlike submission to them. The Ten Commandments imparted to Israel the wisdom to know right from wrong. However, Israel did not always choose to obey them.

Psalm 19:7–14 introduces the law of the Lord—meaning Scripture—as God's perfect revelation of Himself and His will. The prior passage identified nature as a revelation of God. Psalm 119, as well, extols God's Word as His perfect revelation and cites the blessings which come to those who love and obey it.

David refers to the details of creation as evidence for God's power and design. The appearance and function of nature are evidence of God's majesty. The second half of this psalm also celebrates God's revelation, but in the form of His Word. The law, precepts, and commandments of God are hailed for their perfection and benefit.

This psalm of David celebrates two separate revelations which God has given human beings. He has revealed Himself in nature and in Scripture. Psalm 8 is a companion psalm because it, too, refers to nature as revealing God's majesty. Romans 1:18–25 also points out that God revealed himself through nature, but the passage indicates that disobedient people rejected this revelation.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.