Psalms 119:33-34

Psalms 119:33-34 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

At first glance, it may appear that the psalmist has said the same thing in two verses. Teach me the way of thy statutes, give me understanding, I shall keep it unto the end, I shall keep thy law. Though subtle, there is a difference. In verse 33, the prayer is that God would teach the way of the statutes. God is our teacher in spiritual matters, and when we learn, or are taught the word, it is God that teaches us. Being taught also intimates the babe in Christ, one who didn't have previous knowledge. All spiritual knowledge and learning is of Christ. Though a man may preach, or one may read and study, it is God that reveals these truths to us. This is not the same as understanding. In my personal life, I was taught about the trinity. Prior to being taught, I didn't know anything about the Godhead, but after being taught, God gave me knowledge I previously did not have, but I didn't (and still don't) have full understanding of the Trinity. It is God who gave me the little understanding I have now. In secular terms, I have been taught some about auto mechanics. I can troubleshoot basic problems. I know that fuel is needed, a spark to ignite the fuel, a battery and starter etc. but I don't have a good understanding of why these components are needed. The spiritual babe in Christ is taught, but needs understanding to grow into maturity. We need to know the law to keep it, and need understanding to observe it with our whole heart.

Psalm 119:9

Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.


The world offers untold ways of counseling to help the young in their way. Sports, clubs, counseling, rehabilitation programs, boot camp, hard work, etc. etc. The problem the young face, as well as the old, if we are shaped in iniquity. We have inherited a natural disposition to sin and evil. It is not good kids gone bad, but bad kids manifesting their natural desires. How then shall the young man cleanse his way? Is there no hope? Won't our government implement some way for the young to feel good about himself, and make up for the fact of not having a father, or growing up in poverty? Isn't that the socialist way, through tax dollars at problems, create more programs, so government can "solve" all our problems?

There is a way, by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Friends, It is the word that needs to be taught. For our young lambs, it is not programs or holidays that will cleanse the way, but it is the word of God. For our lost young, even more important is the instilling of God's word in them, and pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Word, the blessed Holy Bible, the book of our Lord Jesus Christ, the gospel message that I preach, only faith and repentance in the Word, Jesus Christ, will cleanse the way of anyone. Only the word in the life of a child of God will bring one closer to God. Read the word, believe the word, live the word, love the word.