Here are a few verses from Psalms that I love, written in such a way as to suggest how one might go about gaining a deeper understanding of the scriptures. Definitions are so important. Words have so many nuances and they can be so stimulating to the intellect and to the soul. Try replacing the underlined words with their definitions below and see what thoughts are brought to your mind. Another strategy that can be applied to scripture study is looking up different translations and substituting those, too. And, obviously, the most important strategy to employ is developing and maintaining a strong connection to the spirit of God.
7 The law1of the Lord is perfect,2 converting3 the soul;4 the testimony5 of the Lord is sure,6 making wise7 the simple.8
8 The statutes9 of the Lord are right,10 rejoicing11 the heart:12 the commandment13 of the Lord is pure,14 enlightening15 the eyes.16
9 The fear17 of the Lord is clean,18 enduring19 for ever: the judgments20 of the Lord are true21 and righteous22 altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
1. The word of God; the doctrines and precepts of God, or his revealed will.
2. Complete in moral excellencies.
3. Changing from one state to another.
4. The spiritual, rational and immortal substance in man, which distinguishes him from brutes; that part of man which enables him to think and reason, and which renders him a subject of moral government.
5. The word of God.
6. Certain, unfailing, infallible.
7. Properly, having knowledge; hence, having the power of discerning and judging correctly, or of discriminating between what is true and what is false; between what is fit and proper, and what is improper; as a wise prince; a wise magistrate.
8. Weak in intellect.
9. A special act of the supreme power, of a private nature, or intended to operate only on an individual or company.
10. In morals and religion, just; equitable; accordant to the standard of truth and justice or the will of God. That alone is right in the sight of God, which is consonant to his will or law; this being the only perfect standard of truth and justice.
11. Animating with gladness; exhilarating; feeling joy.
12. The seat of the understanding.
13. A command; a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge; precept.
14. Genuine; real; true; incorrupt; unadulterated; as pure religion.
15. Illuminating; giving light to; instructing.
16. View of the mind; opinion formed by observation or contemplation.
17. In good men, the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience.
18. Free from guilt; sanctified; holy.
19. Lasting; continuing without perishing; bearing; sustaining; supporting with patience, or without opposition or yielding.
20. The determination of the mind, formed from comparing the relations of ideas, or the comparison of facts and arguments.
21. Conformable to fact; being in accordance with the actual state of things.
23. Just; accordant to the divine law.