Psalm 119:1-16: Patterns, Prayers & Priciples for Purity

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently.

Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!
The I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all You commandments.
I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
I will keep Your statutes;
Oh, do not forsake me utterly!

How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies.
As much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.


In Psalm 119:1-16 we find David's Pattern, Prayer & Principles for Purity. True, soul satisfying purity can only be found in the instruction of God's Holy Word. Not simply physical purity, but emotional, psychological, relational, and spiritual purity. Psalm 119:9 asks the question, "How can a young man keep his way pure?" and the answer is simply, "by living according to the Word of God."

A Pattern for Purity
True, soul satisfying purity is only achieved through obedience to God's Holy Word. In Psalm 119:1 we find that the pure are blessed because they consistently obey the Word of God, and in Psalm 119:2 we find that the diligent are blessed because they are committed to obeying the Word of God. The pattern for purity is found in a consistent commitment to obeying the Word of God.

A Prayer for Purity
A consistent commitment to obedience begins with a diligent desire to obey. In Psalm 119:5-8 we find a prayerful plea for purity that reveals a diligent desire to obey God's Word with consistency. This is a wonderful prayer that anyone would do well to sincerely recite.

Principles for Purity
In Psalm 119:9-16 we find answers to the previously mentioned question, "How can a young man keep his way pure?" The Psalmist gives us several principles as answers.
1. Obey God's Word
2. Obey God's Word with your whole heart
3. Do not wander from God's Word
4. Memorize God's Word
5. Meditate on God's Word
6. Delight in God's Word
7. Do not forget God's Word

What a simple, yet powerful reminder of the absolute necessity and sufficiency of God's Holy Word. May we all delight ourselves in the Word of God as we seek Him with our whole heart.