Psalm 119:128

Psalm 119:128

Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

a. NLT: Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.

b). NIV: and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.

c). Young’s Literal Translation: Therefore all my appointments I have declared wholly right, Every path of falsehood I have hated!

d). Amplified Bible: Therefore I esteem as right all, yes, all Your precepts; I hate every false way.

e). Septuagint: Therefore I directed myself according to all thy commandments: I have hated every unjust way.

f). Stone Edition Torah/Writings/Prophets: Therefore I have declared the fairness of every precept regarding everything! I have hated every path of falsehood.

1. “Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right…”

a. precepts [6490 * piqquwd][Strong: properly, appointed, i.e. a mandate (of God; plural only, collectively, for the Law):--commandment, precept, statute.]

1). It is clear the “precepts” are God’s precepts because of the use of this word in other verses. It is translated “commandments” “statutes”.

a).  Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

b). Psalm 111:7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

c). Psalm 119:159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.

b. right [3474 * yashar][Strong: a primitive root; to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous:--direct, fit, seem good (meet), + please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly).]

1). It is interesting how these two Hebrew words are translated into the various sentences of the various translations. Some are better than others. We know that sometimes words or phrases are inserted into the text to help finish the thought of the writer, in most cases this is appropriate, necessary and examples abound in the Bible. This verse is a perfect example. We have two Hebrew words, “precept” and “right” and yet they are turned into a whole sentence. In the Jewish translation they are turned into 11 words. In the King James it is 12 words and in this particular verse it is right.

2). This is the believers proper estimate of God’s word regardless of the Old or New Covenants. We are to regard God’s word as right because of its inspiration.

a). 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

3). The Apostle Paul was very straight forward regarding our estimation of God’s word, it is to be the final authority in the life of the believer.

a). Romans 3:3, 4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

2. “…and I hate every false way.”

a. hate [8130 * sane’][Strong: a primitive root; to hate (personally):--enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, X utterly.]

b. false [8267 * sheqer][Strong: an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial):--without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, + lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully.]

c. way [734 * ‘orach][Strong: a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan:--manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-)way.

d. Any “false way” would be something that goes against God’s precepts. Philosophies or doctrines that seek to undermine the authority and inspiration of the Scripture. The beginning of attempts to throw doubt and unbelief on the word of God toward man began in the Garden of Eden.

1). Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2). New Living Translation: The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

3). New International Version: Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”