We Protestants have read Paul's comments on the law as being anti-Jewish. He wasn't preaching against the Jews--as Jews, anyway. Rather, he was stressing that Christianity was not restricted to Jews but that even life-long Gentiles could be included.
So, this week while we are once again reading from Psalm 119, we need to get away from any automatic negative reaction to the word "law," and remind ourselves that, yes, we do consider God's teaching to be important and instructive to us. As verse 130 puts it, they give light and, even to the simple, impart understanding.
And, with light and understanding, we be better able to stay on a path that is rewarding rather than one with pitfalls. But, doing what God wants, is not what everybody wants all the time. The psalmist prays for protection from wrongdoers and prays not to be a wrongdoer (verses 132-136).
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