TURN MY EYES FROM WORTHLESS THINGS

Psalm 119:17-40 / Keywords 119:37

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

 

119:17 Be good to your servant while I live,

    that I may obey your word.

18 Open my eyes that I may see

    wonderful things in your law.

19 I am a stranger on earth;

    do not hide your commands from me.

20 My soul is consumed with longing

    for your laws at all times.

21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,

    those who stray from your commands.

22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,

    for I keep your statutes.

23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,

    your servant will meditate on your decrees.

24 Your statutes are my delight;

    they are my counselors.

25 I am laid low in the dust;

    preserve my life according to your word.

26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;

    teach me your decrees.

27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,

    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.

28 My soul is weary with sorrow;

    strengthen me according to your word.

29 Keep me from deceitful ways;

    be gracious to me and teach me your law.

30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;

    I have set my heart on your laws.

31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;

    do not let me be put to shame.

32 I run in the path of your commands,

    for you have broadened my understanding.

33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,

    that I may follow it to the end.[b]

34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law

    and obey it with all my heart.

35 Direct me in the path of your commands,

    for there I find delight.

36 Turn my heart toward your statutes

    and not toward selfish gain.

37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

    preserve my life according to your word.[c]

38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,

    so that you may be feared.

39 Take away the disgrace I dread,

    for your laws are good.

40 How I long for your precepts!

    In your righteousness preserve my life.

Footnotes

b. Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward

c. Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way

 

1. (17-24) It is good to live to love and obey God. Pray that your eyes may be opened to wonderful things of God. The psalmist felt like a stranger on earth due to his love for God and God’s word. He was slandered by arrogant, disobedient people, but God’s word was his delight and counsel.

2. (25-32) The psalmist sounds oppressed or depressed, laid low in the dust and sorrowful. He prays for understanding and to not follow deceitful ways. God’s word will preserve and strengthen his life. He chooses faithfulness. He holds fast to God. He runs in the path of faith with God’s help.

3. (33-40) He pleads with the LORD: “Teach me… give me understanding… direct me…turn my heart and eyes away from selfish gain and worthless things… fulfill your promise…take away disgrace.” Twice he says, “preserve my life.” He is praying earnestly in all this for guidance, wisdom, and strength. He knows he is in a spiritual battle against unbelievers and temptations.

Prayer Lord, turn my heart and eyes away from selfish gain and worthless things, and let me run in the path of your commands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One Word Turn my heart and eyes from worthless things; open my eyes to God’s wonders