Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 119:1-8

"Blessed are they that are perfect in the way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart. Yea, they do no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded [us] thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently. Oh that my ways were established To observe thy statutes! Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn thy righteous judgments. I will observe thy statutes: Oh forsake me not utterly. BETH." — Psalms 119:1-8 (ASV)

This psalm may be considered as the statement of a believer's experience. To the extent that our views, desires, and affections agree with what is expressed here, they come from the influences of the Holy Spirit, and only to that extent. The pardoning mercy of God in Christ is the only source of a sinner's happiness. And those are most happy who are preserved most free from the defilement of sin, who simply believe God's testimonies and depend on his promises.

If the heart is divided between him and the world, it is evil. But the saints carefully avoid all sin; they are conscious of much evil that clogs them in the ways of God, but not of that wickedness which draws them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are engaged in evil, and thus out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at liberty to follow the word of God or not, as they please.

But the desire and prayer of a good man agree with the will and command of God. If a man expects by obedience in one thing to purchase indulgence for disobedience in others, his hypocrisy will be detected; if he is not ashamed in this world, everlasting shame will be his portion. The psalmist coveted to learn the laws of God, to give God the glory.

And believers see that if God forsakes them, the tempter will be too strong for them.