Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 119:161-168

"Princes have persecuted me without a cause; But my heart standeth in awe of thy words. I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood; [But] thy law do I love. Seven times a day do I praise thee, Because of thy righteous ordinances. Great peace have they that love thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling. I have hoped for thy salvation, O Jehovah, And have done thy commandments. My soul hath observed thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly. I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies; For all my ways are before thee. TAV." — Psalms 119:161-168 (ASV)

Those whose hearts stand in awe of God's word, will rather endure the wrath of man, than break the law of God. By the word of God we gain immeasurably. Everyone hates to be told a lie, but we should hate telling a lie even more; by doing so, we give an affront to God.

The more we see the beauty of truth, the more we will see the hateful deformity of a lie. We are to praise God even for afflictions; through grace we derive good from them. Those who love the world have great vexation, for it does not meet their expectations; those who love God's word have great peace, for it exceeds their expectations.

Those in whom this holy love reigns, will not perplex themselves with needless scruples, or take offence at their fellow believers. A good hope of salvation will engage the heart to obey the commandments. And our love for the word of God must subdue our lusts, and root out fleshly affections: we must make it a work of the heart, or it will amount to nothing.

We must keep the commandments of God by obedience to them, and his promises by reliance on them. God's eye is on us at all times; this should make us very careful to keep his commandments.