TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 119:37.
Here, 1. David prays for restraining grace, that he might be prevented and kept back from that which would hinder him in the way of his duty: Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity. The honours, pleasures, and profits of the world are the vanities, the aspect and prospect of which draw multitudes away from the paths of religion and godliness. The eye, when fastened on these, infects the heart with the love of them, and so it is alienated from God and divine things; and therefore, as we ought to make a covenant with our eyes, and lay a charge upon them, that they shall not wander after, much less fix upon, that which is dangerous (Job 31:1), so we ought to pray that God by his providence would keep vanity out of our sight and that by his grace he would keep us from being enamoured with the sight of it. 2. He prays for constraining grace, that he might not only be kept from every thing that would obstruct his progress heaven-ward, but might have that grace which was necessary to forward him in that progress: "Quicken thou me in thy way; quicken me to redeem time, to improve opportunity, to press forward, and to do every duty with liveliness and fervency of spirit." Beholding vanity deadens us and slackens our pace; a traveller that stands gazing upon every object that presents itself to his view will not rid ground; but, if our eyes be kept from that which would divert us, our hearts will be kept to that which will excite us.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Next you say, “and all his pomp.” The pomp of the devil is the craze for the theater, the horse races in the circus, the wildbeast hunts and all such emptiness, from which the saint prays to God to be delivered in the words, “Turn away my eyes that they may not behold worthless things.” Avoid an addiction to the theater, with its portrayal of sinful conduct, the lewd and unseemly antics of actors and the frantic dancing of degenerates. Not for you, either, the folly of those who, to gratify their miserable appetite, expose themselves to wild beasts in the combats in the amphitheater. They pamper their belly at the cost of becoming themselves, in the event, food for the mouths of savage beasts; of these gladiators it is fair to say that in the service of the belly that is their god they court death in the arena. Shun also the bedlam of the races, a spectacle in which souls as well as riders come to grief. All these follies are the pomp of the devil.
Therefore, as I am about to speak of what is useful, I will take up those words of the prophet: “Incline my heart to your testimonies and not to covetousness,” that the sound of the word useful may not rouse in us the desire for money. Some indeed put it thus: “Incline my heart to your testimonies and not to what is useful,” that is, that kind of usefulness that is always on the watch for making gains in business and has been bent and diverted by the habits of people to the pursuit of money. For as a rule most people call useful only what is profitable, but we are speaking of that kind of usefulness that is sought in earthly loss “that we may gain Christ,” whose gain is “godliness with contentment.” Great, too, is the gain whereby we attain to godliness, which is rich with God, not indeed in fleeting wealth but in eternal gifts, and in which rests no uncertain trial but constant and unending grace.
Therefore David, who had experienced those very glances that are dangerous for a man, aptly says that the one is blessed whose every hope is in the name of God. For such a person does not have regard to worthless things and follies if he always strives toward Christ and always looks on Christ with his inner eyes. For this reason David turned to God again and said, “Turn away my eyes, that they may not see vanity.” The circus is vanity, because it is totally without profit; horse racing is vanity, because it is counterfeit as regards salvation; the theater is vanity, every game is vanity. “All things are vanity!” as Ecclesiastes said, all things that are in this world. Accordingly, let one who wishes to be saved ascend above the world, let him seek the Word who is with God, let him flee from this world and depart from the earth. For one cannot comprehend that which exists and exists always, unless he has first fled from here. On this account also, the Lord, wishing to approach God the Father, said to the apostles, “Arise, let us go from here.”
The next words in the Psalm which we have undertaken to expound are, "O turn away my eyes, lest they behold vanity: and quicken Thou me in Your way" [Psalm 119:37]. Vanity and truth are directly contrary to one another. The desires of this world are vanity: but Christ, who frees us from the world, is truth. He is the way, too, wherein this man wishes to be quickened, for He is also the life: "I am the way, the truth, and the life," [John 14:6] are His own words.
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Summary
Psalms 119:37 presents a profound and urgent prayer from the psalmist, articulating a dual petition for divine intervention: first, a plea for God to safeguard his perception from the allure of empty, deceptive worldly pursuits, and second, an earnest request for spiritual revitalization to enable steadfast obedience and progress in God's righteous path. This verse encapsulates a deep awareness of human vulnerability to temptation and an absolute reliance on God's sovereign grace to maintain spiritual purity and active faithfulness, thereby highlighting the intrinsic connection between guarding one's focus and experiencing the life-giving power of the divine.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 119 stands as the longest chapter in the biblical canon, an intricately structured acrostic poem divided into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Within each stanza, all eight verses commence with that stanza's designated Hebrew letter. The psalm as a whole is an expansive and passionate meditation on the multifaceted nature of God's Torah—His law, statutes, precepts, commandments, and word—portraying it not as a legalistic burden but as the supreme source of wisdom, guidance, comfort, and profound joy. The psalmist's consistent posture is one of unwavering love and devotion to God's revealed truth, which he views as essential for a righteous life. This particular verse, Psalms 119:37, is situated within the 'He' (ה) section (verses 33-40), which continues the psalmist's fervent supplications for divine instruction, empowered obedience, and spiritual preservation, underscoring a holistic desire for God's truth to govern both his inner thoughts and outward actions.
Historical & Cultural Context
While the precise historical setting for Psalm 119 remains debated, its composition likely reflects a period of significant commitment to the covenant relationship with Yahweh, possibly during or after the Babylonian exile, when the Law became even more central to Israelite identity. In ancient Israel, the Torah was far more than a mere legal code; it was the very embodiment of God's character, His covenantal expectations, and the distinctive way of life He ordained for His people, setting them apart from the surrounding pagan nations. The concept of "vanity" (שָׁוְא, shav') would have held particular resonance in a society constantly exposed to the pervasive influence of idolatry, the empty rituals of false gods, and the transient promises of worldly power and pleasure, all of which stood in stark contrast to the enduring and life-giving truth of Yahweh. Conversely, "the way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh) of God represented the divinely appointed moral and ethical conduct, the righteous lifestyle expected of those in covenant with Him, a path of unwavering faithfulness and purity distinct from the corrupt ways of the nations. The prayer for "quickening" profoundly expresses a universal human experience of spiritual lethargy, backsliding, or a sense of inner lifelessness, underscoring the vital need for divine renewal to sustain a vibrant and active walk in this covenant relationship.
Key Themes
Psalms 119:37 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to both Psalm 119 and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it articulates the theme of Sanctification and Purity, recognizing the perpetual need for divine assistance to guard against the corrupting influences of the world. The plea to "turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity" highlights the internal struggle against temptation and the critical role of one's senses in spiritual formation, echoing similar warnings about guarding one's perceptions found in texts such as Proverbs 4:25. Secondly, the verse emphasizes Spiritual Vitality and Revival, as the psalmist earnestly yearns for God to "quicken" or revive him. This is not a desire for mere physical existence but for profound spiritual vibrancy, responsiveness, and renewed energy to live out God's commands. This theme is central to the life of faith and is consistently sought through God's life-giving Word, as beautifully expressed in Psalms 119:50. Finally, it profoundly underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Human Dependence, as the psalmist acknowledges that true spiritual progress, protection from evil, and sustained obedience are ultimately God's work, even as he actively engages in prayer and strives to align his will with God's "way," which is consistently equated with God's righteous Torah throughout Psalm 119.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (שָׁוְא, H7723) carries a rich semantic range, extending beyond mere triviality to encompass emptiness, futility, worthlessness, deceit, and even idolatry. As derived from the sense of desolating, it refers to anything that is destructive, lacks substance, fails to deliver on its promises, or ultimately proves to be a lie. In a spiritual context, "vanity" denotes anything that distracts from God, offers false satisfaction, or leads one away from His truth and purpose. It is the antithesis of God's enduring and life-giving Word.
The verb (חָיָה, H2421) is a primitive root meaning "to live," "to revive," "to restore to life," or "to preserve alive." In this context, it signifies a divine act of infusing spiritual life, renewing vitality, and restoring responsiveness to God's will. It implies a state of spiritual languor or even death from which only God can revive the psalmist, enabling him to walk energetically and faithfully in God's path.
This noun (דֶּרֶךְ, H1870) refers literally to a road, path, or journey, but metaphorically it denotes a course of life, a manner of conduct, or a moral direction. When qualified by "thy" (God's), it refers to God's prescribed path of righteousness, His commandments, and His revealed will for human living. It is the divinely ordained trajectory for a life of faithfulness and obedience.
Verse Breakdown
"Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity;"
This clause is a heartfelt petition for divine intervention in the psalmist's sensory and mental life. The "eyes" are presented as a primary gateway through which the world's influences enter the soul, symbolizing one's focus, attention, and inner desires. "Beholding" implies not just a casual glance but a dwelling upon, a fixation, or an absorption. The prayer acknowledges the inherent human struggle against the allure of "vanity"—that which is empty, deceptive, or spiritually worthless. It's a recognition that without God's active grace, the human tendency is to be drawn to and corrupted by such things, leading to spiritual decay. This clause is a plea for God to actively redirect the psalmist's gaze and focus, safeguarding his inner being from harmful and distracting influences.
"[and] quicken thou me in thy way."
This second clause, linked by a conjunction, presents the positive counterpart and desired outcome of the first petition. "Quicken thou me" is an urgent cry for spiritual revival and an infusion of life from God. It acknowledges a need for divine empowerment to overcome spiritual lethargy or deadness, recognizing that true vitality is a gift from God. The phrase "in thy way" specifies the desired direction and purpose of this renewed life: it is not merely for the sake of feeling alive, but for the explicit purpose of walking faithfully, energetically, and obediently in God's prescribed path of righteousness, His commandments, and His revealed will. This part of the prayer recognizes that spiritual vitality is essential for sustained obedience and that this vitality is a gift from God.
Literary Devices
Psalms 119:37 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices. It is fundamentally a Prayer or Petition, a direct and intimate address to God, signifying a personal and dependent relationship between the psalmist and the Divine. The verse also exhibits striking Parallelism, specifically a form of Synthetic Parallelism, where the second clause ("quicken thou me in thy way") builds upon and completes the thought of the first ("Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity"). The turning from vanity is intrinsically linked to being quickened in God's way; one enables the other, demonstrating a cause-and-effect relationship. Metaphor is prominently evident in the use of "eyes" as a representation of one's focus, attention, and inner desires, and "way" as a powerful metaphor for a course of life or moral conduct. The entire verse also functions as an expression of Synecdoche, where "eyes" stand for the whole person's perception, mental engagement, and inner being, and "way" stands for the entirety of God's righteous law, His character, and the lifestyle He ordains for His people.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 119:37 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of sanctification and the ongoing, absolute need for divine grace in the believer's life. It posits that true spiritual purity, vitality, and sustained obedience are not achieved solely through human willpower or self-discipline but fundamentally require God's active, empowering intervention. The prayer to be turned from "vanity" recognizes the pervasive and seductive nature of sin, distraction, and emptiness in the fallen world, while the subsequent plea to be "quickened" highlights humanity's inherent spiritual weakness, proneness to lethargy, and utter dependence on God for life, strength, and the ability to walk in His righteous "way." This verse beautifully encapsulates the dynamic tension between human responsibility to guard one's heart and mind, and the absolute necessity of God's empowering grace for genuine spiritual growth, perseverance, and joyful obedience. It underscores that spiritual life is not a static possession but a dynamic gift, constantly renewed and sustained by God in response to a humble and dependent heart.
Reflection and Application
In a contemporary world saturated with an unprecedented volume of distractions, fleeting trends, and constant digital noise, Psalms 119:37 remains an incredibly relevant and potent prayer for the modern believer. The "vanity" of our age manifests in countless insidious forms—from the relentless pursuit of material possessions, social status, and fleeting pleasures, to the endless scroll of social media, the deceptive allure of instant gratification, and the empty promises of self-help philosophies that conspicuously exclude God. This verse calls us to a radical intentionality: to actively guard the gateways of our minds and hearts, recognizing that what we allow our eyes to behold and our minds to dwell upon profoundly shapes our spiritual trajectory and character. It serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual vitality is not a default state or a one-time event, but a constant, moment-by-moment need, requiring us to cry out to God for His life-giving Spirit to empower us to choose His "way" over the world's pervasive allure. This prayer invites us into a deeper, more profound dependence on God, acknowledging our inherent inability to resist temptation or maintain spiritual fervor without His divine quickening. It challenges us to regularly assess our spiritual diet, to discern what truly nourishes our souls versus what merely drains them, and to reorient our gaze towards the eternal, the true, and the life-giving, so that we might walk with renewed energy, purpose, and joy in the path God has graciously set before us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "vanity" mean in the context of Psalms 119:37?
In Psalms 119:37, "vanity" (Hebrew: שָׁוְא, shâvᵉʼ', H7723) carries a profound meaning that extends beyond mere triviality. It refers to anything that is empty, futile, worthless, deceitful, or ultimately lacking substance and enduring value. This encompasses anything that distracts from God, offers false satisfaction, or leads one away from His truth and purpose. This can include idols, false promises, worldly ambitions, fleeting pleasures, or any pursuit that, when weighed against God's eternal truth and righteousness, proves to be empty and without lasting significance. It's not just about trivial things, but about anything that diverts one's heart and mind from the living God and His righteous "way," a concept central to the entire message of Psalm 119.
Why does the psalmist ask God to "quicken" him?
The psalmist asks God to "quicken" him (Hebrew: חָיָה, châyâh', H2421) because "quicken" means to give life, revive, restore to life, or preserve alive. This is a fervent prayer for spiritual renewal and an infusion of divine vitality. It acknowledges that the psalmist, like all humans, is prone to spiritual lethargy, weariness, or even a state of spiritual deadness or unresponsiveness to God. He recognizes that he cannot maintain his spiritual fervor, consistent obedience, or active responsiveness to God's "way" through his own strength or willpower alone. Therefore, he pleads for God's divine infusion of life, power, and energy to invigorate his spirit, enabling him to walk faithfully, energetically, and joyfully in God's commandments and principles. This profound desire for spiritual revival is a recurring theme for those who truly seek to live an abundant and fruitful life in God's way, echoing the promise Jesus later made in John 10:10.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 119:37 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God's "way" and is the singular source of all true, eternal life. The psalmist's prayer to "turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity" is profoundly answered in Christ, who, by His very nature and teaching, exposes the utter emptiness and futility of worldly pursuits and calls us to fix our gaze solely on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith. He is the quintessential truth that stands in stark contrast to all "vanity" and deceit, declaring Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life". Furthermore, the earnest plea to "quicken thou me in thy way" is magnificently fulfilled through Christ's triumphant resurrection and the subsequent indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself proclaimed, "I am the resurrection and the life," and promised the Spirit who "gives life". Through saving faith in Him, believers are not merely forgiven of sin but are also spiritually "quickened" or made alive, being raised with Christ from a state of spiritual death to newness of life (Ephesians 2:5). The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers us to walk obediently and joyfully in God's "way," transforming our desires, enabling us to resist the allure of vanity, and producing fruit that is not fleeting but eternal (Galatians 5:22-23). Thus, in Christ, the psalmist's prayer for protection from vanity and for spiritual vitality to walk in God's path is fully realized, continually sustained, and perfectly exemplified.