Psalm 119:9-11

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 119:9

Here is, 1. A weighty question asked. By what means may the next generation be made better than this? Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? Cleansing implies that it is polluted. Besides the original corruption we all brought into the world with us (from which we are not cleansed unto this day), there are many particular sins which young people are subject to, by which they defile their way, youthful lusts (2 Tim. 2:22); these render their way offensive to God and disgraceful to... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 119:10

Here is, 1. David's experience of a good work God had wrought in him, which he takes the comfort of and pleads with God: ?I have sought thee, sought to thee as my oracle, sought after thee as my happiness, sought thee as my God; for should not a people seek unto their God? If I have not yet found thee, I have sought thee, and thou never saidst, Seek in vain, nor wilt say so to me, for I have sought thee with my heart, with my whole heart, sought thee only, sought thee diligently.? 2. His... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 119:11

Here is, 1. The close application which David made of the word of God to himself: He hid it in his heart, laid it up there, that it might be ready to him whenever he had occasion to use it; he laid it up as that which he valued highly, and had a warm regard for, and which he was afraid of losing and being robbed of. God's word is a treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safely but in our hearts; if we have it only in our houses and hands, enemies may take it from us; if only in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 119:9

ב , BETH.--The Second Part . BETH. Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way ?.... Some think David means himself, and that he was a young man when he wrote this psalm; and which they think is confirmed by Psalm 119:100 ; but neither of them seem conclusive; rather any young man is meant, and who is particularly mentioned, because young men are liable to sins and snares, to carnal lusts and sensual pleasures, which are of a defiling nature. Some are of opinion that a young man,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 119:10

With my whole heart have I sought thee ,.... Not himself, his own honour and applause, as formal worshippers and self-righteous persons do; but the Lord and his glory, his face, his presence, and communion with him, his grace, and fresh supplies of it, to help in time of need; his doctrine, as the Targum; and to know more of it, and of him, and of his mind and will; and this he did in the most sincere manner, with all his heart and soul. The character of the good man, in Psalm 119:2 ; the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 119:11

Thy word have I hid in mine heart ,.... Not only heard and read it, but received it into his affections; mixed it with faith, laid it up in his mind and memory for future use; preserved it in his heart as a choice treasure, where it might dwell richly, and be of service to him on many occasions; and particularly be of the following use: that I might not sin against thee ; the word of God is a most powerful antidote against sin, when it has a place in the heart; not only the precepts of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 119:9

A young man cleanse his way - ארח orach , which we translate way here, signifies a track, a rut, such as is made by the wheel of a cart or chariot. A young sinner has no broad beaten path; he has his private ways of offense, his secret pollutions: and how shall he be cleansed from these? how can he be saved from what will destroy mind, body, and soul? Let him hear what follows; the description is from God. 1. He is to consider that his way is impure; and how abominable this must make... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 119:10

With my whole heart have I sought thee - read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 119:11

Thy word have I hid in my heart - read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 119:9

Verse 9 9.Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? In this place he repeats, in different words, the same truth which he formerly advanced, That, however much men may pique themselves upon their own works, there is nothing pure in their life until they have made a complete surrender of themselves to the word of the Lord. The more effectually to excite them to this, he produces, in an especial manner, the example of children or youths. In mentioning these, he by no means gives an unbridled... read more

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