Bellarmine on Psalm XVIII: Verses 11-12

Verse 11

More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

Desiderabilia super aurum et lapidem pretiosum multum; et dulciora super mel et favum.

This is the conclusion of what is written  above (in the previous verses), as though the Prophet were to say: Because the commandments of the Lord are so good, they are to be put before all the riches and pleasures of this world: for (they are) “more to be desired than gold and many precious stones,” that is, they are to be had in the greatest quantity; and they are “sweeter than honey and the honeycomb,” that is, not only sweeter than honey but sweeter than the full comb, overflowing with the purest honey. The words and the honeycomb are used to signify abundance, so that they 

correspond to what was said before, many precious stones. In Hebrew, it has than gold and many topaz, and (sweeter) than honey and the overflowing of honeycombs; but the translators changed the sense. Topaz is an example of precious stone, but the Prophet has taken the example for the kind (precious stones). How far remote is this truth from the ideas and feelings of carnal men! How many are those carnal men who, for a tiny advantage or a trifling pleasure, do not defy all the divine precepts! And yet it is true beyond doubt that observation of God’s law brings more benefits and joy that any treasure and any carnal pleasure.

Verse 12

For thy servant keepeth them, and in keeping them there is a great reward.

Etenim servus tuus custodit ea; in custodiendis illis retributio multa.

He proves by his own experience that what he has said is true. For, he says, “thy servant keepeth them,” the commandments, “and in keeping them there is a great reward,” for it happened to him, that is, thy servant has proved by his own experience to have obtained many good things whilst he keeps the commandments. St.Jerome translated the Hebrew as Thy servant will teach them. Pagninus however translates this as Thy servant is made an example in them. For the Hebrew word nizhar can in other conjugations mean to teach, or it may signify to shine; but in the passive voice, as in this context, it means to guard oneself or, to be careful, or to keep oneself careful. And so the words may be translated as Thy servant guards himself in them, that is, he abstains from sinning, observing Thy commandments, which is the same as saying Thy servant keepeth them, that is, the commandments.

Totus tuus ego sum

Et omnia mea tua sunt;

Tecum semper tutus sum:

Ad Jesum per Mariam.