6/8/21
Augustine. Exposition on the Book of Psalms. Schaff, Philip (editor). New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co, 1886. Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers: Series 1: Volume VIII. Re-published 2014, Catholic Way Publishing. Kindle electronic edition, ISBN-13: 978-1-78379-372-3.
“Psalm 119: Beth"
The second stanza of Psalm 119 opens with a confession that we are corrected by keeping God's words (v. 9). Augustine understands that "in this place the keeping of the words of God, must be understood as the obeying His commandments in deed: for they are kept in memory in vain, if they are not kept in life also" (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339002, par. 9). It is significant to Augustine that the example of a young man is used. We do well to receive this corrective guidance when young.
Verse 10 admits that our human tendency may be to avoid God's commands. However, in verses 11-12 we find that holding God's words in our hearts will teach us righteousness (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339014, par. 11).
Citing verse 13, Augustine considers speaking God's word to be important. To him, the word of God works mostly in oral form (Augustine Psalms, loc. 3439022, par. 12). Speaking God's testimonies becomes a great delight (v. 14), as it is God's way of dealing with all sorts of disputes. Augustine here affirms that God's Word is the right way of answering all disputations about the Christian faith (Augustine Psalms, loc. 339031, par. 14). For this reason, we meditate on God's word at all times.