As we continue our study of Psalm 19, we come to a fifth expression of the perfections of Scripture, “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever” (v. 9). “The fear of the Lord” is an unusual title for Scripture and quite frankly, not one we would expect. But David isn’t referring to what Scripture is, but what it produces. This text and many others teach us how to have a biblical and healthy fear of God. Scripture consistently calls us to we must display a proper sense of reverence and respect towards Him.

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”

Psalm 47:2 says that the “Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth.”  

This reverence that we’re to have for God comes from a proper recognition of who God is, that He is awesome. Today, we tend to throw around the word awesome nonchalantly, but I can assure you that’s not what David has in mind here. When you really understand that God is awesome, you have no trouble fearing Him. A true comprehension of and appreciation for the greatness of God, always produces a fear of Him. The whole of Scripture teaches us how to fear God and how to worship Him appropriately.

David goes on to say, “The fear of the LORD is clean” (v. 9). This word clean is used of a precious metal that has been refined and had all of its dross removed.

“The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.”

–Psalm 12:6 

The words of God are pure of all dross. They’re free from anything that’s false, phony, and valueless. But not only is the Word of God pure, it endures forever. “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever.” The Bible repeatedly demonstrates the eternality of God and therefore, of His Word. 

Psalm 102:26 says, “Of old You founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. Even they will perish, but You endure; And all of them will wear out like a garment; Like clothing You will change them and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.”

Psalm 119:89 says, “Forever, O LORD, Your Word is settled in heaven.”

Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Do you understand what David is telling us in Psalm 19:9? He’s saying nothing is more relevant than the eternal Word of God! In every age and at all times, it is an unerring, unchanging guide that remains eternally relevant. It has the power to speak on timely issues at any given moment.