Psalms 51:6

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Behold, thou desirest {H2654}{H8804)} truth {H571} in the inward parts {H2910}: and in the hidden {H5640}{H8803)} part thou shalt make me to know {H3045}{H8686)} wisdom {H2451}.

Still, you want truth in the inner person; so make me know wisdom in my inmost heart.

Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom.

Commentary on Psalms 51:6 KJV

This verse is part of King David's profound prayer of repentance found in Psalm 51, following his grievous sins involving Bathsheba and Uriah (recorded in 2 Samuel 11 and chapter 12). After confessing his sin and acknowledging God's justice, David turns his focus from the outward act to the inward reality that God truly desires.

Context

Psalm 51 is a powerful expression of sorrow for sin and a plea for cleansing and restoration. David understands that his sin is not merely an offense against people but ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4). In this verse, he delves deeper, recognizing that God's requirement goes beyond external behavior or ritual sacrifice; it is about the state of the heart.

Key Themes

  • God's Desire for Inner Truth: The verse highlights that God is not satisfied with outward conformity but seeks genuine sincerity and integrity in the deepest parts of a person.
  • The Source of True Wisdom: Wisdom is not acquired through human effort alone, but is something God imparts in the "hidden part," the innermost being, to those who seek Him sincerely.
  • Inward Transformation: The focus is on the need for an inner change, a transformation of the heart and mind, as the foundation for righteous living.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "inward parts" translates the Hebrew word ṭuḥôt, which literally refers to the kidneys or reins, often used metaphorically in the Old Testament to represent the innermost being, the seat of emotions, will, and conscience. The "hidden part" (Hebrew: sāṭum) reinforces this idea of the secret, private core of one's personality. God desires truth (*'ĕmet*, meaning firmness, faithfulness, reliability, truth) in this deepest, hidden place. True wisdom (*ḥokmâ*, skill, prudence, wisdom) is made known there by God. This contrasts with outward appearances, reminding us that the Lord looks on the heart.

Meaning and Significance

David understands that God values authenticity above all else. Religious performance without internal truth is meaningless to Him. The repentance God accepts is one that stems from a genuine, truthful heart. Furthermore, the wisdom that truly guides life and pleases God is not mere intellectual knowledge but a divine insight placed by God in the hidden depths of our being, leading to righteous living.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we live with integrity before God, seeking truth in our "inward parts"? Are we relying on God to impart true wisdom in the hidden places of our lives? It calls for a commitment to inner sincerity, recognizing that genuine faith begins not with outward actions, but with the transformation God works within us. We should pray for God to reveal His wisdom and truth in our innermost being, leading to a life that truly honors Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Samuel 16:7

    But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

  • Psalms 15:2

    He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

  • Job 38:36

    Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

  • 1 Peter 3:4

    But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

  • Romans 7:22

    For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

  • Proverbs 2:6

    For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

  • Luke 11:39

    And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

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