Psalm 119:165 NKJV
Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.
Peace That Cannot Be Shaken
I am always in awe of the Lord; at times when I am going through something, He always is there for me and gives me something from His Word that lifts me up and gives me hope. I praise you, Lord.
My Notes
Scripture: “Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.” —Psalm 119:165 (NKJV)
This verse is an ointment for the soul. It doesn’t promise peace to those who perfectly obey God’s law—none could qualify. Instead, it speaks to those who love His law. Their affection for God’s Word is not merely intellectual or ritualistic; it is relational, reverent, and rooted in trust. And from that love flows great peace—not ordinary calm, but deep, abiding shalom.
For “peace” the Hebrew word is שָׁלום shalom: it means not only “peace,” but also perfection, wholeness, prosperity, tranquillity, healthfulness, safety, the completion and consummation, of every good thing; and so it is frequently used by the Hebrews; in greetings, wishing one the other well, they say, שָׁלום לךָ shalom lekha, i.e, “peace be with thee;” as if one should say, “may all things be prosperous with you.” It is the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7), the peace Jesus gives that the world cannot (John 14:27), and the peace that anchors the soul in every storm.
This peace is not the absence of trouble—it is the presence of God. Those who love His law have learned the secret of reconciliation through Christ, the comfort of the Spirit, and the security of being accepted by the Father. Though they face affliction, persecution, and disappointment, their hearts remain steady. Their peace is not fragile—it is fortified by truth.
And “nothing causes them to stumble.” This doesn’t mean they never trip or struggle, but that they are not overcome. Their love for God’s Word guards them from offense, bitterness, and spiritual collapse. They are not easily shaken by trials, nor ensnared by temptations. They walk with holy security, trusting that “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”.(Romans 8:28).
This verse invites us to take a hard look at what we love. Do we love God’s law enough to be steadied by it? Do we treasure His Word enough to be unshaken by the world’s chaos? The more we love truth, the more we walk in peace—the less we stumble.
NOTE: Psalm 119 has 22 sections to which each section is represented by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Today, we’re looking at verse 165, which is in the 21st section, which is called “Shin (שׁ)” It is the twenty-first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, representing the phonetic sounds “sh” when a dot is placed on its upper right side and “s” when the dot is on the upper left side, known as Sin (שׂ). It holds a numerical value of 300 in gematria, a system of assigning numerical values to letters.
In Hebrew, “Shin (שׁ)” is associated with deep symbolic and theological meanings. It is the first letter in the name “Shaddai,” a title for God meaning “Almighty,” emphasizing divine power and presence. The letter is also linked to concepts such as steadfastness, change for the good, return, and the year. Symbolically, Shin is often depicted as resembling a flame, representing the divine light and the burning bush encountered by Moses. It is commonly inscribed on mezuzahs (parchment scroll inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Tora, primarily Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21, which are part of the Shema prayer.), affixed to Jewish doorposts, as a sign of God’s protection and presence.
James Boice noted that this section represents a quiet obedience, waiting for God.
……..Bill
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Time to Reflect
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What does “great peace” look like in your life right now?
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Do you love God’s law—or merely try to obey it?
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What kinds of trials or temptations have caused you to stumble in the past?
Prayer
Abba, Your Word is my anchor, my delight, and my defense. I love Your law—not because I am perfect, but because You are. Teach me to walk in the peace that comes from loving truth. Let Your Word guard my heart from offense, bitterness, and fear. Let it steady me in storms and strengthen me in weakness. When I stumble, draw me closer to you. Let my peace be deep, my footing be firm, and my love for Your Word grow daily. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Cross References for Further Study (NKJV)
Peace and Assurance
Isaiah 32:17 The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Philippians 4:6–7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Security in God’s Sovereignty
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Psalm 91:1–2 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
2 Corinthians 4:8–9 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed
Delight in God’s Word
Psalm 1:2–3 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 119:97 Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
Proverbs 3:1–2 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.
Stability and Preservation
Psalm 37:23–24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
1 Corinthians 13:6–7 [Love] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Praise in Affliction
Acts 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
2 Timothy 4:16–17 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Revelation 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Proverb for Today
My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your nearest kin, Proverbs 7:1-4 NKJV
Summary of Commentaries:
Psalm 119:165 celebrates the deep, abiding peace granted to those who love God’s law. This peace—shalom—means wholeness, safety, and spiritual calm, even amid trials. It’s not reserved for perfect obedience but for heartfelt affection toward God’s Word. Such love anchors the soul, guards against offense, and steadies the believer through temptation, affliction, and uncertainty. Nothing causes them to stumble because their footing is firm in truth. Their peace surpasses understanding, rooted in trust and shaped by righteousness. Loving God’s law brings not only joy and clarity, but holy security—a life unshaken by the world and upheld by divine grace.
Commentaries:
Charles Spurgeon
“Great peace have they which love thy law.” What a charming verse is this! It dwells not with those who perfectly keep the law, for where should such men be found? but with those who love it, whose hearts and hands are made to square with its precepts and demands. These men are ever striving, with all their hearts, to walk in obedience to the law, and though they are often persecuted, they have peace, yea, great peace; for they have learned the secret of the reconciling blood, they have felt the power of the comforting Spirit, and they stand before the Father as men accepted. The Lord has given them to feel his peace, which passed all understanding. They have many troubles, and are likely to be persecuted by the proud, but their usual condition is that of deep calm—a peace too great for this little world to break.
“And nothing shall offend them,” or, “shall really injure them.” “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” It must needs be that offenses come, but these lovers of the law are peacemakers, and so they neither give nor take offense. That peace which is founded upon conformity to God’s will is a living and lasting one, worth writing of with enthusiasm, as the Psalmist here does.
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Enduring Word
Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble: The great love that the psalmist had for the law brought real benefits to his life. It brought him great peace and stability in life (nothing causes them to stumble). (Guzik)
i. “Shalom is a large, embracing word for the good that comes to the one God favors.” (Boice)
ii. “Amidst the storms and tempests of the world, there is a perfect calm in the breasts of those who not only do the will of God, but ‘love’ to do it.” (Horne)
iii. “They are at peace with God, by the blood of reconciliation; at peace with themselves, by the answer of a good conscience, and the subjection of those desires which war against the soul; at peace with all men, by the spirit of charity; and the whole creation is at peace with them, and all things work together for their good.” (Horne)
iv. “This verse does not promise peace to those who perfectly keep God’s Law, for who can keep it? It promises peace to those who ‘love’ God’s Law.” (Boice)
v. “In every age there have been Luthers and Latimers [Hugh Latimer, martyred in 1555], who have not only held fast their confidence, but whose peace has deepened with the roaring of the waves. The more they have been forsaken of men, the closer has been their communion with God.” (Martin, cited in Spurgeon)
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Albert Barnes
Great peace have they – See the notes at Isaiah 26:3; compare the notes at Philippians 4:6-7. They have great calmness of mind. They are not troubled and anxious. They believe and feel that all things are well-ordered by thee, and will be conducted to the best result. They, therefore, calmly leave all with thee. As a matter of fact, the friends of God have peace and calmness in their minds, even amidst the troubles, the disappointments, and the reverses of life. The love of God is the best – the only – way to secure permanent peace in the soul.
Which love thy law – It is the love of law, and the belief that the law of God is in accordance with justice, that gives peace to their minds. God’s government is a government of law, and therefore it is loved.
And nothing shall offend them – Margin, “They shall have no stumbling-block.” “Hebrew, “And to them no stumbling,” or stumbling-block. See the notes at Matthew 5:29-30; notes at Matthew 18:6; notes at Matthew 16:23; notes at 1 Peter 2:8; notes at James 2:10. The meaning here is that they would not fall into sin; they would be kept safe; they would be preserved from the power of temptation. The meaning is not, as it would seem to be in our version, that nothing would pain, grieve, or irritate them; but, as above, that as long as they were obedient to the law, and disposed to obey it, they would be safe from the power of temptation.
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John Gill
Great peace have they which love thy law,…. The Targum adds, “in this world.” Great prosperity, especially prosperity of soul, inward peace, peace of conscience, peace in Christ, and from him, flowing from his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, and a view of interest therein; which is usually enjoyed in a way of believing, and frequently had in the ways, worship, and ordinances of God. Such as love the law of God, his word, precepts, and doctrines, have a large share of it; a peace so great, that it passes the understanding of unregenerate men, and cannot be fully expressed by the saints themselves; there is none to the wicked, it is peculiar to them that love the Lord, and what belong to him: the Arabic and Ethiopic versions render it, “which love thy name”;
and nothing shall offend them; the Targum is, “in the world to come.” Nothing shall disturb their minds, and break their peace; nothing from without, though sin, temptations, and desertions do; not outward afflictions, the reproaches and persecutions of wicked men, nor the reproof of good men; nor what God does to them in a providential way: though in the world they have tribulation, in Christ they have peace, which the world can neither give nor take away. “There is no stumbling block unto them”, as it may be rendered; nothing that shall cause them to be offended and depart out of the good ways of God, which is the case of carnal formal professors, Matthew 13:21; such stumble not at the word, as others do, at any of the doctrines of it; and the true light shining in them, and the word without being a light unto them, there is no occasion of stumbling in them; they see their way, and what lies in it, and so avoid that at which they might stumble, 1 John 2:10. Moreover, such do not easily either give or take offence; they are possessed of that charity or love, which is not suspicious or easily provoked; and they endeavour to give no offense to any, but live without it, in the midst of a perverse generation, 1 Corinthians 13:5, Philippians 2:15.
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Matthew Henry
Here is an account of the happiness of good men, who are governed by a principle of love to the word of God, who make it their rule and are ruled by it.
They are easy, and have a holy serenity; none enjoy themselves more than they do: Great peace have those that love thy law, abundant satisfaction in doing their duty, and pleasure in reflecting upon it. The work of righteousness is peace (Isa. 32:17), such peace as the world can neither give nor take away. They may be in great troubles without and yet enjoy great peace within, sat lucis intus-abundance of internal light. Those that love the world have great vexation, for it does not answer their expectation; those that love God’s word have great peace, for it outdoes their expectation, and in it they have sure footing.
They are safe, and have a holy security: Nothing shall offend them; nothing shall be a scandal, snare, or stumbling-block, to them, to entangle them either in guilt or grief. No event of providence shall be either an invincible temptation or an intolerable affliction to them, but their love to the word of God shall enable them both to hold fast their integrity and to preserve their tranquility. They will make the best of that which is, and not quarrel with anything that God does. Nothing shall offend or hurt them, for everything shall work for good to them, and therefore shall please them, and they shall reconcile themselves to it. Those in whom this holy love reigns will not be apt to perplex themselves with needless scruples, nor to take offense at their brethren, 1 Co. 13:6, 7.
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Miscellaneous Comments
“Great peace have they which love thy law.” There have been Elis trembling for the ark of God, and Uzzahs putting out their hand in fear that it was going to fall; but in the midst of the deepest troubles through which the church has passed, and the fiercest storms that have raged about it, there have been true, faithful men of God who have never despaired. In every age there have been Luthers and Latimers, who have not only held fast their confidence, but whose peace has deepened with the roaring of the waves. The more they have been forsaken of men, the closer has been their communion with God. And with strong hold of him and of his promises, and hearts that could enter into the secret place of the Most High, although there has been everything without to agitate, threaten, and alarm, they have been guided into perfect peace.
—James Martin, in, “The Christian Mirror, and other Sermons,” 1878.
“Great peace.” Note that for “peace” the Hebrew word is שָׁלום shalom: it signifies not only “peace,” but also perfection, wholeness, prosperity, tranquillity, healthfulness, safety, the completion and consummation, of every good thing; and so it is frequently taken by the Hebrews; hence in salutations, wishing one the other well, they say, שָׁלום לךָ shalom lekha, i.e, “peace be with thee;” as if one should say, “may all things be prosperous with thee.”
—Thomas Le Blanc.
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