John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:43

"And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thine ordinances." — Psalms 119:43 (ASV)

Take not the word of truth too long out of my mouth. It may be asked why he demands to have his tongue filled with, rather than his heart fortified by, the word of truth, since the latter takes precedence, both in order and excellence. What will it profit us to be fluent and eloquent in speech if our hearts are destitute of faith?

On the other hand, wherever there is firm faith, speech will flow readily from it. My reply is that David was not so concerned about outward confession that he did not give preference to the faith of the heart. But considering that he is addressing God, it is not strange that he mentions only the former, under which, however, he also includes the latter.

He essentially prays, “Lord, support not only my heart by faith, so that I am not overwhelmed with temptation, but grant me also freedom of speech, that I may fearlessly proclaim your praises among men.” We observe that when he asks to be endowed with boldness of speech, he begins with the heart.

It may be further inquired here why he says too long, as if he were not afraid of being deprived of the word of truth for a short time. Such a supposition would be most absurd, since we must watch every moment so that we are not overtaken by the enemy when we are unarmed and powerless.

The solution to this difficulty must be drawn from our own experience. For due to the infirmity of our flesh, it is almost inevitable that occasionally even the strongest heart will quail under the violent assaults of Satan.

And although their faith does not fail, it still shakes. They do not find such presence of mind that there is constantly a uniform flow of speech and a prompt reply to the derisions of the ungodly; but, on the contrary, they begin to stagger and quake for a short time.

Conscious of this weakness, which is perceptible in all humankind, he adapts his prayer in the following manner: “Though I am not always prepared with that boldness of speech which is desirable, do not let me continue silent for long.” By this language the prophet tacitly admits that he had not been as steadfast and bold as was required, but that he was, as it were, struck speechless because of fear.

From this we may learn that the faculty of speaking freely is no more in our power than are the affections of the heart. Therefore, as far as God directs our tongues, they are prepared for ready utterance; but as soon as He withdraws the spirit of courage, not only do our hearts faint, or rather fail, but our tongues also become mute.

The cause of this is added in these words, for I have waited for thy judgments—for this is his literal expression. From this we conclude that judgments refers not merely to the precepts of the law, but also to the promises, which constitute the true foundation of our confidence.

Some render it, I was afraid of thy judgments, deriving the word used here from the root חול chul; I am unable to say whether this translation is suitable or not. But of this I am certain: to understand judgments as equivalent to punishments is quite foreign to the prophet's design.