I Would Not Be Ashamed

This verse concludes a 3 verse set that began in verse4 and built on the first 3 verses.  “Then” is a temporal reference that views the action in keep the statues of God and walking in His ways accomplished and views the result of it as if it were accomplished and present as well.  The result if sure because it rests in the faithful character of God.

“I would not be ashamed” translates a word whose primary meaning is that falling into disgrace, normally by means of failure.  That is the root idea here.  The writer is convinced that the observance of the command of God will result in his not being ashamed or falling into disgrace.

There are tow ways of viewing this.  First, there is the ultimate issue of eternal accountability.  That there is such accountability is assumed.  We have seen that already.  The writer knows that he will answer to God for his actions.  There is no question of that; it is inevitable.  The only question is how to be ready and fitted for that judgment.  One can only ? that requirement by being made fit by God.  David and the other writers of the Psalms understood this.

However that is no the primary way we ought to understand this.  There is an active idea here that is central.  The writer knows that blessing/happiness comes by means of submission and obedience to the revealed Word of God.  It is then, when I am obediently doing the things that it commands and abstaining from that which it forbids, it is then that I will not be ashamed or found to be lacking.

“When” is another temporal reference that keeps us focused on the time involved.  “Have respect” is an infinitive absolute that is adverbial in its application.  The verb means to look or behold, or to consider.  It speaks of everything from a mere glance to the careful and sustained consideration of the mind.  The idea is that of taking it in and considering it favorably.  Of course, the context adds an active idea to it.  It is when we thoughtfully and deeply consider, with an aim to doing them, then the blessing of God will follow.

We would be lacking if we didn’t note that mention is made of all of the commandments.  We don’t get to pick and choose what we will obey and what we won’t.  The commands of God are the commands of God!  We need to give proper attention to all of the commands of God as He brings them to our attention.  The call here is not for perfect obedience but for comprehensive intent!