S – The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. ¹⁰ They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; 

and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. In addition, your servant is warned by them, 

and in keeping them there is an abundant reward. 

Psalms 19:9–11 CSB

O – Commentary:

Fear is here a synonym for the Law, for its purpose was to put fear into human hearts (Deut. 4:10, kjv). The Law is pure.… sure, and righteous. It was designed to cause believers to obey God and lead righteous lives.

19:10–11. David next disclosed his personal reaction to God’s perfect Law. He found the statutes desirable and enjoyable. In extolling their value to him, he compared them to gold and honey—they are more precious than gold, the most valuable commodity in the ancient Near East, and sweeter than honey, the sweetest substance known in the ancient Near East. The Law was not a burden to believers who were trying to please God with their lives. For David, keeping God’s statutes, which warned him of the dangers of folly and sin, brought reward

 Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 808.

A – The fear of the Lord is essential in our walk with God.  While it does mean “dread” which is associated with being afraid, it also means “reverence.”  Both work in a healthy way.  We should have a fear of what our lives would look like without God’s presence and hope.  In our relationship with him, it should develop an “awe and reverence” for him that draws us closer each day. Finally, that makes commands and expectations more applicable.  We do them because they are given to make life better.  The psalmist found the treasure in following them.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Holy and just.  Thank you for our relationship with you.  We respect and stand in awe of your unlimited power.  We are grateful that we can have an intimate relationship with you that grows daily.