Wisdom Literature Part 11

The final Wisdom Literature book we will look at in this series is Psalms. In today’s lesson we introduce the book and answer the question, why is it important to study the book of Psalms? 

This remarkable collection of lyrical poems reveal the essence of God’s law; how humanity can have a personal relationship with God, and that this relationship requires practicing love towards God and neighbor.  

The Beyond Today Bible Commentary states, “The book of Psalms in particular gives the whole heart, feeling and approach one needs to have toward God’s law. God looked on David as a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22), and the outpouring of David’s (and others’) thoughts and feelings in prayer, or in song, before God is a tremendous example to be carefully studied and personally applied.”  

Why study the Psalms? 

1. Psalms provide a means of inspiration and of lifting up voices and hearts to praise God!  
   1. James 5:13 says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”  
   2. Ephesians 5:19 we are encouraged, “be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ . . .”  
   3. The word psalms, [psalmos], means to touch or play on a musical instrument. It denotes such sacred songs or poems as are sung to stringed instruments, like the psalms of David. 
   4. Hymns, [humnos], means to sing, celebrate or praise and signifies songs in honor of God.  
   5. Songs [ode] means to sing and denotes any regular poetic composition adapted to singing. This is restricted in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 to songs which are spiritual. (Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge)
2. Psalms instruct us and exhort us to greater spiritual growth. Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” 

3. Psalms bear prophetic meaning and point to the Messiah and the Kingdom of God. Luke 24:44-45, “Then He [Jesus Christ] said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’ And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” 

The Book of Psalms contains vital instruction to those who believe and obey God. Therefore, when we approach the Psalms with a reverent and teachable attitude, we better learn to love and praise God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  

© Randy Urwiller, 2025. All rights reserved. 

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.