Slideshow image

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. (Psalm 19:12-14)

There are three illustrations in Psalm 19: creation, law, and forgiveness. These three illustrations reflect three laws in our lives: the law of nature, the law of morality, and the law of spirituality. The law of nature is more manageable, and although our knowledge of it is limited, we can still grasp some knowledge of it through scientific observation. Moral law is relatively difficult to control as it involves human interaction. People may possess different principles or standards regarding good and evil, so what is right or what is wrong may not be generalized. From ancient times to the present, many great men have given profound thought to the subject, but what they understand is still minimal.

Compared with the first two laws, we can conclude that spiritual law cannot be mastered. The last illustration of this psalm paints a picture of forgiveness: David knew that "the law of the Lord is perfect". Although he was spiritually mature, he still asked: who can discern their own errors? Who can say, by their own limited understanding, that they are complete before God? David's attitude before God is, may you forgive me my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins. Do not let sin govern me, then I can be complete and exempt from sin.

I often feel that I have a good understanding of the Bible and spiritual things. But even if I know all the structural details of a mirror, it does not mean I use it to reflect on my soul daily. Every day I have to face the true and living God, and depend on Him to make my soul holy. Lord my rock, my redeemer, may the words in my mouth, the thoughts of my heart, be pleasing to you.