The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  Psalm 19:7 NIV

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
⁸ The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
⁹ The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.

¹⁰ They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
¹¹ By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
¹² But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
¹³ Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless,     innocent of great transgression.

¹⁴ May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

God’s word affects our mind, spirit, and path.

The greatness of God’s word and its effect on our lives are recorded in the second half of this Psalms. The word is active. It is alive and brings with it an active influence on one’s life.  Even if you don’t remember what you read yesterday,  the fact that the word went through your mind and heart, creates a reaction.  This Psalms records the effect of God’s word in your mind and soul.

Attributes and Reactions

The Psalmist elegantly describes the attributes of God’s words then list’s their effect on our mind, body, and soul.  God’s word is perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, firm, more precious than gold. The Word produces refreshing, wisdom, joy, light, endurance, righteousness, and sweetness.  Want to be sweeter to others?  Answer: God’s Word!

There are also some preventive properties in God’s Word.  These properties are the added results beyond the benefits mentioned above.  These properties are like taking vitamins or getting a flu shot.  Protection and insulation are the added benefits of God’s word. This protective effect of a daily intake of scripture is found in verses 11-13.

Verse 11: “BY THEM” (the daily dose of God’s word):

We are warned – Understanding consequences of choices.

Exposes hidden faults cannot see –  Brings to the surface hidden behaviors and beliefs that have secretly caused us harm.

Keeps us from allowing willful sins to rule over us. 

Keeps our life away from choosing life-destroying paths. 

Because of the scrubbing, correcting, healing and joyful work of God Truths we conclude and desire with David as we say with lightnside:“Let our words and thoughts be pleasing to God. My Lord (relationship), my Rock (security), my redeemed (active Grace and Mercy).”