John Gill Commentary Psalms 119:171

"Let my lips utter praise; For thou teachest me thy statutes." — Psalms 119:171 (ASV)

My lips shall utter praise
Like water flowing from a fountain, as the word ^F13 signifies. The heart of a good man is like a fountain of water, abounding: with good things, and his mouth is a well of life; out of the abundance of grace and good things in his heart his mouth speaks, (John 4:14) (Proverbs 10:11) (Matthew 12:34Matthew 12:35) ;

and particularly his heart is filled with praise and thankfulness for the many blessings of providence and grace enjoyed; his lips show it forth; it comes flowing from him freely and readily, without force and compulsion, largely and plentifully, constantly and continually, and with great vehemence and strength, as streams from a fountain;

when you have taught me your statutes :
which is what the psalmist often prays for in this psalm; and signifies he should be very thankful to God for, and should sincerely praise him, could he obtain this favour; see (Psalms 119:7) .

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FOOTNOTES:

• F13: (hnebt) "profundent", Vatablus, Musculus; "ebullient", Piscator, Gejerus; "scaturiunt", Cocceius; "scaturient", Michaelis.