John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:140

"Thy word is very pure; Therefore thy servant loveth it." — Psalms 119:140 (ASV)

Thy word is exceedingly refined. In this verse, he indicates that the cause of his zeal was the love he had for heavenly doctrine. For it is pure hypocrisy to be displeased with, or severely condemn, the contempt of divine truth unless we are bound to it by the cords of love.

And he affirms that his love for God’s word was not a rash, or a blind and inconsiderate affection, but that he loved it because, like gold or silver that has been refined, it was pure and free from all dregs and dross. This is the idea contained in the metaphorical term צרופה , tseruphah, translated refined; and although it may seem commonplace, yet by vindicating God’s word from all perverse and malicious judgments, it graphically expresses the true obedience of faith.

How few there are who are not guilty—either through their distrust, or waywardness, or pride, or voluptuousness—of casting some spot or stain upon God’s word! Since the flesh is so rebellious, it is no small commendation of revealed truth when it is compared to well-refined gold, so that it shines pure from all defilement.

Furthermore, it serves significantly to show the truth of this testimony that the Prophet confirms it by his own experience. To more effectively repress the foolish rashness of which we are guilty whenever we imagine any fault in God’s word, he declares that in commending it, he expresses the sincere feeling of his heart, having experienced a blissful pleasure in that purity of which he speaks.