Tip Tuesdays - A Lesson from the Psalms

Figurative Language - It's what makes our writing go beyond the ordinary, the spice to a perfect dish. Whether this comes easy to you or not, let's look at an example from the Psalms. Try to identify the imagery, personification, similes, and any other examples you might find. Perhaps the next time you are struggling for the right words, skip to the Psalms for a little inspiration.

Psalm 19 (NIV)

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

The heavens declare the glory of God;

    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

    night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words;

    no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

    their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens

    and makes its circuit to the other;

    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

The law of the Lord is perfect,

    refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

    making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

    giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

    giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure,

    enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

    and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,

    than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

    than honey from the honeycomb.

By them your servant is warned;

    in keeping them there is great reward.

But who can discern their own errors?

    Forgive my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;

    may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless,

    innocent of great transgression.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart

    be pleasing in your sight,

    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

I would also like you to especially examine the last verse - but not for figurative language. This verse, I believe, should be our prayer for everything we write.

Happy Tuesday!