Psalms 119:43 - Meaning and Application

Here David makes a humble request for “the tongue of the learned,” that is, the ability to speak wisely and helpfully for God’s glory. “Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth” means, “Lord, let your truth always be ready on my lips.” He is asking for the wisdom and courage to use what he knows to teach others, to speak as a good householder who brings out treasures new and old, and to confess his faith whenever duty calls. We all need to pray that we will never be afraid or ashamed to own God’s truth and God’s ways, or deny him before people.

David also admits that he is not always ready. At times, the word of truth was not as near to him as it should have been, so he prays that it will not be taken away from him completely. In other words, he asks God to keep enough of his truth at hand so he can do his duty well.

He then gives the heart of an upright believer, without which even wise speech will not help us. First, he shows his trust in God: “Lord, make me ready and strong in the Scriptures, because I have hoped in the judgments of your mouth.” If God’s words are not near him, then his support and defense are gone. Second, he shows his resolve to obey God by God’s grace: “Then I will keep your law continually.” If he has God’s word not only in his heart but also on his lips, he will do all that he should and walk fully in God’s will.

This is how the man of God becomes complete, fully equipped for every good word and work (2 Timothy 3:17; Colossians 3:16). David says he will keep God’s law continually, without half-heartedness. God must be served in a steady pattern of obedience, every day and all day long. He also says he will keep it “for ever and ever,” without turning back. We must never grow tired of doing good. If we serve God to the end of our life on earth, we will serve him in heaven forever.

Or David may mean this: “Lord, let me have the word of truth in my mouth so I can pass this sacred trust on to the next generation” (2 Timothy 2:2). Then they, in turn, may hand it down to those who come after them. In that way, God’s law will be kept forever and ever, from one generation to the next, according to the promise (Isaiah 59:21), “My word in your mouth will not depart from the mouth of your children, or your children’s children.”