My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
The command is not to forget divine law but to remember it, and to keep the commandments in the heart with inward obedience rather than mere outward remembrance. This instruction is directed to families for careful consideration, calling both the young and the old to give it careful heed, with special appeal to the young. For the young it applies to obedience to God's laws and to wise, just rules that guard from the devices of Satan and guide in paths of peace.
Keeping the commandments in this inward way is joined to the promise of length of days, long life, and peace. That obedience is further connected with health. Keeping it brings favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. It also brings walking safely without stumbling, lying down without fear with sleep made sweet, and freedom from fear of sudden terror and from the desolation of the wicked when it comes, because the Lord is confidence and keeps the foot from being taken.
In His youth Jesus met temptation to resent despiteful treatment from His brethren and from others with this keeping of God's commandments in the heart, patiently bearing insult and unfair treatment without retaliation, and this shaped His conduct and answered why He submitted to it. Treasured in the heart, this keeping arms against enemies.
The command is not to forget divine law but to remember it, and to keep the commandments in the heart with inward obedience rather than mere outward remembrance. This instruction is directed to families for careful consideration, calling both the young and the old to give it careful heed, with special appeal to the young. For the young it applies to obedience to God's laws and to wise, just rules that guard from the devices of Satan and guide in paths of peace.
Keeping the commandments in this inward way is joined to the promise of length of days, long life, and peace. That obedience is further connected with health. Keeping it brings favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. It also brings walking safely without stumbling, lying down without fear with sleep made sweet, and freedom from fear of sudden terror and from the desolation of the wicked when it comes, because the Lord is confidence and keeps the foot from being taken.
In His youth Jesus met temptation to resent despiteful treatment from His brethren and from others with this keeping of God's commandments in the heart, patiently bearing insult and unfair treatment without retaliation, and this shaped His conduct and answered why He submitted to it. Treasured in the heart, this keeping arms against enemies.