VII.
The Psalmist asks for “understanding.”

How do you see the Psalmist affirming what such “understanding” leads to?

VIII.
Psalm 119:73-80 (NRSVue)

Your hands have made and fashioned me;
       give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
       because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right
       and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.
Let your steadfast love become my comfort
       according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live,
       for your law is my delight.
Let the arrogant be put to shame,
       for they have subverted me with guile;
       as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Let those who fear you turn to me,
       so that they may know your decrees.
May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
       so that I may not be put to shame.

IX.
What has the Psalmist understood?

How does hope, faithfulness, steadfast love, mercy, delight, and meditation find a place in his prayer to be granted “understanding”?

When you think of “understanding” do you primarily (or only) consider mental or intellectual things?

How do you think the Psalmist’s idea of “understanding” is broader than that?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}