My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue. Psalm 39:3 (KJV)

            In today’s verse, the Psalmist speaks about “musing” in the KJV.  This word refers to serious meditation or to think seriously about a subject or topic.  Whereas the word “amuse” suggests the opposite – diversion or entertainment.  Amusement parks are designed not to promote serious thinking but rather to divert people’s thoughts to objects of fun and pleasure.  An amusing story may be told to divert attention away from a serious truth or a serious subject. Getting stuck on our “smart” phones hour after hour keeps our minds away from serious contemplation.

            Psalm 63:6 speaks of thinking about, or meditating on God through the watches of the night.  Psalm 1:2 describes a godly person as one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.  Have you ever thought about that or taken that seriously?  That doesn’t give us much time to turn our minds to frivolous things and way from godliness.  If our delight is in God’s Word, we will be thinking seriously and reverently about the Lord, His works, and His requirements and how His word can and should affect our everyday life. People who want to avoid this kind of thinking will often pursue many other kinds of amusing diversions to get their minds on other things.

            The book of Proverbs contrasts wisdom with foolishness.  Godly wisdom brings godly conduct, whereas foolishness often leads to wickedness. The simple person is susceptible to influence – whether good or bad. The wise person is depicted as being committed to upright conduct and making wise decisions.  How can we get true wisdom?  The answer, of course, is simple: by meditating on God’s Word.  Does this mean that we can’t have any fun?  We can’t laugh and joke and play?  Not at all.  God has created us to enjoy life while we are enjoying Him.  However, if we use diversionary tactics purposely to keep from meditating on God’s Word, we are (whether consciously or not) blocking the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Proverbs 4:23 gives us wise counsel:  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.