Vs. 125 — I am Your servant; Give me understanding, That I may know Your testimonies.

Charles H. Spurgeon:

In the previous verse he sought teaching; but here he goes much further, and craves for understanding. Usually, if the instructor supplies the teaching, the pupil finds the understanding; but in our case we are far more dependent, and must beg for understanding as well as teaching: this the ordinary teacher cannot give, and we are thrice happy that our Divine Tutor can furnish us with it. We are to confess ourselves fools, and then our Lord will make us wise, as well as give us knowledge. The best understanding is that which enables us to render perfect obedience and to exhibit intelligent faith, and it is this which David desires,—“understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.” Some would rather not know these things; they prefer to be at ease in the dark rather than possess the light which leads to repentance and diligence. The servant of God longs to know in an understanding manner all that the Lord reveals of man and to man; he wishes to be so instructed that he may apprehend and comprehend that which is taught him. A servant should not be ignorant concerning his master, or his master’s business; he should study the mind, will, purpose, and aim of him whom he serves, for so only can he complete his service; and as no man knows these things so well as his master himself, he should often go to him for instructions, lest his very zeal should only serve to make him the greater blunderer. (Spurgeon, C. H. (2009). The treasury of David: Psalms 111-119 (Vol. 5, p. 369). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.)

Prayer:

As Your servant, which is a pleasure and a growing joy, I ask for understanding in Your ways that I may love You and serve You. To do so, please reveal what pleases You. I dare not presume outside of Your word, nor to reason out with a human view what Your word says. Show me, my Lord, with clarity, Your will through and in Your word. Then, I ask, sweep this servant up by Thy Spirit to both run for You and simultaneously rest in You. I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies. Thank You for the desires to know You.