The Word of God in the Heart
Anon. Psalm 119:11 Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I. THE GREAT DESIRE AND AIM OF A GOOD MAN. Not to sin against God. 1. His views of God give this desire and aim. 2. His love of God. 3. His views of sin in its nature and its consequences. II. THE MEANS WHICH, A GOOD MAN ADOPTS TO REALIZE THIS DESIRE. The Word must be in the heart as power and life; controlling the thoughts — the motives — the principles. In the heart. Hid in the heart. Laid up there; made secure there against the robbery of sin, Satan, scepticism, etc. The Word of God, in its doctrines, precepts, promises, threatenings, examples, is a power in man which no other word can be. It teaches; it restrains; it warns; it guides; it saves. Things which we value; which are essential for certain ends, we preserve in the most secure places; as deeds, jewels, wills, etc. So a good man hides the Word of God in his heart; so that in times of danger it is safe. A Roman priest once took a Bible from a boy, and burnt it. The boy said to him, "You cannot burn the Word which I have in my heart." It was the Word of God hid in the heart that made the apostles so courageous in work and sufferings; that made martyrs so true and faithful; that now makes Christians so unyielding to the world's jeers, persecution, and atheism. Heaven and earth shall pass away; but God's Word, hid in the heart, endureth for ever. (Anon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. WEB: I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.