Psalms 119:70
Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
Psalms 119:70
Psalm 119:70 uses a vivid simile—“Their heart is as fat as grease”—to describe the stubborn, dull condition of the proud, contrasted with the speaker’s delight in God’s law. Fat and grease suggest heaviness, insensitivity, and a lack of vitality. The verse portrays the spiritual condition of those who reject God’s truth as morally obtuse, while the speaker finds delight and life in God’s law. In the broader psalm, the Law is not a burdensome obligation but a source of joy and instruction. This contrast sharpens the moral landscape: one path leads to spiritual stiffness and stagnation; the other leads to delight and growth through obedience. The metaphor also reflects biblical Hebrew poetry’s use of vivid imagery to convey moral truth. The verse invites readers to see what nourishes life—God’s statutes—versus what dulls the heart.
Theologically, this verse emphasizes how moral affections align with truth. The heart’s receptivity determines whether one will delight in God’s law. The proud are described as being hardened and inert, whereas the believer who delights in the law experiences spiritual vitality. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and yields joy, integrity, and life. It also underscores the contrast between self-sufficiency (greasy, heavy heart) and dependence on God’s revelation as the source of flourishing.
Apply this by cultivating attitudes that nourish delight in Scripture. If you find your heart growing dull, initiate simple practices: read a short passage daily and reflect on how it reveals God’s goodness; keep a “delight log” noting moments when obedience brought life or joy. Guard against pride by inviting honest feedback from trusted friends or mentors who can help you stay teachable. Choose activities that “lighten” your heart—engage in worship, serve others, or enjoy creation—so you maintain sensitivity to God’s Word. The contrast invites you to align your affections with what truly sustains life.
Cross-References: Psalm 1:2-3; Psalm 19:7-11; Romans 12:11; Hosea 14:4-9; Jeremiah 15:16