TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 119:35–36. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
He had before prayed to God to enlighten his understanding, that he might know his duty, and not mistake concerning it; here he prays to God to bow his will, and quicken the active powers of his soul, that he might do his duty; for it is God that works in us both to will and to do, as well as to understand, what is good, Phi 2:13. Both the good head and the good heart are from the good grace of God, and both are necessary to every good work. Observe here,
I.The grace he prays for.
1.That God would make him able to do his duty: "Make me to go; strengthen me for every good work." Since we are not sufficient of ourselves, our dependence must be upon the grace of God, for from him all our sufficiency is. God puts his Spirit within us, and so causes us to walk in his statutes (Eze 36:27), and this is that which David here begs.
2.That God would make him willing to do it, and would, by his grace, subdue the aversion he naturally had to it: "Incline my heart to thy testimonies, to those things which thy testimonies prescribe; not only make me willing to do my duty, as that which I must do and therefore am concerned to make the best of, but make me desirous to do my duty as that which is agreeable to the new nature and really advantageous to me." Duty is then done with delight when the heart is inclined to it: it is God's grace that inclines us, and the more backward we find ourselves to it the more earnest we must be for that grace.
II.The sin he prays against, and that is covetousness:
"Incline my heart to keep thy testimonies, and restrain and mortify the inclination there is in me to covetousness." That is a sin which stands opposed to all God's testimonies; for the love of money is such a sin as is the root of much sin, of all sin. Those therefore that would have the love of God rooted in them must get the love of the world rooted out of them; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God. See in what way God deals with men, not by compulsion, but he draws with the cords of a man, working in them an inclination to that which is good and an aversion to that which is evil.
III.His plea to enforce this prayer:
"Lord, bring me to, and keep me in, the way of thy commandments, for therein do I delight; and therefore I pray thus earnestly for grace to walk in that way. Thou hast wrought in me this delight in the way of thy commandments; wilt thou not work in me an ability to walk in them, and so crown thy own work?"
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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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.”
He next says, "Incline mine heart unto Your testimonies, and not to covetousness" [Psalm 119:36]. This then he prays, that he may profit in the will itself.. ..But the Apostle says, "Avarice is a root of all evils." [1 Timothy 6:10] But in the Greek, whence these words have been rendered into our tongue, the word used by the Apostle is not πλεονεξία, which occurs in this passage of the Psalms; but φιλαργυρία, by which is signified "love of money." But the Apostle must be understood to have meant genus by species when he used this word, that is, to have meant avarice universally and generally by love of money, which is truly the root of all evils. [Genesis 3:5] ...If therefore our heart be not inclined to covetousness, we fear God only for God's sake, so that He is the only reward of our serving Him. Let us love Him in Himself, let us love Him in ourselves, Him in our neighbours whom we love as ourselves, whether they have Him, or in order that they may have Him....
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Summary
Psalms 119:36 is a fervent prayer from the psalmist, imploring divine intervention to reorient the deepest affections and intentions of the human heart. It expresses a profound desire for spiritual alignment, seeking God's active grace to incline one's inner being towards His divine testimonies—His revealed will and law—while simultaneously turning away from the insidious temptation of covetousness, which represents an illicit and destructive desire for worldly gain. This verse encapsulates a fundamental spiritual struggle: the battle for the heart's allegiance between God's truth and the allure of material idolatry, highlighting the necessity of divine grace in pursuing true righteousness.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem (divided into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet) entirely devoted to extolling the virtues, wisdom, and life-giving power of God's law, statutes, precepts, commandments, and testimonies. The psalmist repeatedly expresses an unwavering love for and commitment to God's Word, acknowledging it as the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, and life. Within this expansive meditation on divine revelation, verse 36 falls within the "Gimel" stanza (verses 25-32), where the psalmist often laments his soul clinging to the dust and prays for God to revive him according to His word. This specific prayer for the heart's inclination fits seamlessly into this broader plea for spiritual vitality and obedience, recognizing that true adherence to God's law begins with an internal disposition. The desire to follow God's commands is not merely external conformity but an internal transformation, a bending of the will towards divine truth, a theme echoed in the preceding verses that emphasize a longing for God's statutes.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite thought, the "heart" (Hebrew: lev or levav) was understood not merely as a physiological organ but as the very core of a person's being—the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and moral decision-making. It was considered the wellspring of life, from which all actions flowed, as highlighted in Proverbs 4:23. The "testimonies" (Hebrew: ‘edah) refer to God's solemn declarations, decrees, and the entire body of His revealed law, particularly as given at Sinai. These were the foundational covenant stipulations that defined Israel's relationship with Yahweh. Covetousness (Hebrew: betsa') was a significant moral and social danger in ancient societies, often leading to oppression, injustice, and the breakdown of community bonds. It was not merely a desire for wealth but often for ill-gotten gain, reflecting a fundamental distrust in God's provision and a violation of the communal ethic. The prayer thus reflects a deep understanding of human fallenness and the pervasive temptation to prioritize material gain over covenant faithfulness, a struggle evident throughout Israel's history, from Achan's sin in Joshua 7 to the prophets' condemnations of injustice rooted in greed.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the sovereignty of God in spiritual transformation. The psalmist does not merely resolve to obey but prays for God to "incline" his heart, recognizing that true spiritual direction is a divine work, not solely human effort. This echoes the sentiment found in Jeremiah 31:33 where God promises to put His law within His people. Secondly, it highlights the supreme value and authority of God's Word. The "testimonies" are presented as the ultimate standard and desired destination for the heart, contrasting sharply with the corrupting influence of worldly desires. This underscores the Bible's consistent emphasis on the law as a source of life and wisdom, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19-20. Thirdly, the verse directly confronts the pervasive danger of covetousness as a spiritual enemy. By contrasting God's testimonies with covetousness, the psalmist identifies a primary antagonist to spiritual purity and devotion. This aligns with the Tenth Commandment, which forbids coveting, recognizing it as the root of many other sins. The verse thus portrays a spiritual battle for the heart, where God's truth and worldly greed vie for ultimate allegiance.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies to stretch or spread out, and by implication, to bend away or turn. In this context, it implies a divine action to direct, dispose, or bend the heart's natural tendency. The psalmist is not merely expressing a wish but actively pleading for God to exert His powerful influence over the inner person, steering the will and affections away from destructive desires and firmly towards His divine wisdom and revealed truth. It acknowledges that the human heart, left to its own devices, is prone to wander, hence the need for God's active reorientation.
This term refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing not just emotions but also intellect, will, and moral decision-making. It is the core from which all life flows and where ultimate allegiance resides. The prayer to "incline my heart" is therefore a petition for a fundamental reordering of one's entire being, ensuring that the very center of one's identity and volition is directed towards God.
This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to witness," refers to God's solemn declarations, decrees, and covenant stipulations. They are His enduring witnesses to His character, His will, and His covenant faithfulness. God's testimonies provide clear, reliable boundaries and guidance for human conduct, serving as the revealed truth by which humanity is to live. They are not merely rules but divine self-disclosure, bearing witness to who God is and what He requires of His people.
This word carries a strong connotation of greedy gain, often implying ill-gotten or unjust profit. It speaks to an insatiable, grasping desire for more, particularly in material possessions or wealth, which can corrupt the soul and lead to injustice, exploitation, and a disregard for God's commands and the well-being of others. It represents a heart turned away from God's provision and towards an idolatrous pursuit of worldly security or status, making it a direct antithesis to God's testimonies.
Verse Breakdown
"Incline my heart unto thy testimonies"
This clause is a profound prayer for divine intervention. The psalmist recognizes that the human heart, the seat of desire and decision, is not naturally aligned with God's will. The verb "incline" (Hebrew: nâṭâh) suggests a powerful, intentional bending or directing. The psalmist is asking God to supernaturally reorient his deepest affections, desires, and moral compass away from self-centeredness and towards God's revealed truth. "Thy testimonies" signifies God's entire body of divine law, precepts, and decrees, which are seen as the true and life-giving path. This is a plea for spiritual transformation, where the inner being is brought into conformity with God's external revelation.
"and not to covetousness"
This second clause presents a stark contrast and a specific negative petition. Having prayed for positive alignment with God's truth, the psalmist immediately identifies the primary opposing force: "covetousness" (Hebrew: betsaʻ). This is not merely a general desire for things but a grasping, often illicit, and insatiable craving for material gain or possessions. By explicitly praying against it, the psalmist acknowledges the powerful allure of materialism and the profound danger it poses to spiritual devotion. Covetousness is presented as a direct competitor to God's testimonies for the heart's allegiance, capable of drawing one away from righteousness and into sin and idolatry.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Antithesis, a literary device that juxtaposes contrasting ideas to highlight their differences. Here, the psalmist contrasts "thy testimonies" with "covetousness," presenting them as mutually exclusive destinations for the heart's inclination. This stark opposition emphasizes the spiritual battle for allegiance: one cannot truly incline their heart towards God's truth while simultaneously pursuing illicit gain or insatiable material desire. This device underscores the moral and spiritual choice presented to the believer. Additionally, the phrase "incline my heart" functions as a Metaphor where the heart, the center of one's being, is depicted as something that can be bent or directed, implying a need for divine force or influence to guide its natural tendencies away from innate human fallenness and towards divine will.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This prayer powerfully articulates the biblical understanding of the heart as the central battleground for spiritual allegiance. It acknowledges human fallenness and the natural inclination towards self-serving desires, particularly the insidious grip of covetousness, which the Bible consistently identifies as a form of idolatry. The psalmist's plea for God to "incline" his heart underscores the necessity of divine grace in spiritual transformation, recognizing that true obedience flows from a divinely reoriented inner disposition, not merely external effort. This prayer is a model for believers, reminding us that a genuine love for God's Word must be accompanied by an active resistance to the world's allure, particularly its emphasis on material accumulation. It points to the truth that our desires fundamentally shape our direction and that God's testimonies offer the only true path to life, contentment, and genuine spiritual prosperity.
Reflection and Application
In a world constantly bombarding us with messages of acquisition, consumption, and self-gratification, Psalm 119:36 offers a timeless and profoundly counter-cultural prayer. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our desires, recognizing that our hearts are naturally prone to wander after fleeting pleasures and material possessions rather than the eternal truths of God's Word. This verse challenges us to examine our deepest affections: what truly captures our attention, motivates our actions, and consumes our thoughts? Is it the pursuit of more, or is it a fervent desire to know and obey God's testimonies? The prayer "incline my heart" is an admission of our spiritual weakness and a humble acknowledgment that true spiritual alignment is a work of divine grace. It compels us to actively seek God's intervention daily, asking Him to purify our motives, redirect our ambitions, and cultivate within us a profound love for His truth that outweighs all worldly allure. This leads to genuine contentment, generosity, and a life truly centered on God, reflecting His values rather than the world's.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "incline my heart" truly mean in a practical sense for believers today?
"Incline my heart" is a prayer for divine reorientation of one's inner being. Practically, it means acknowledging that our natural desires are often self-centered and worldly, and we need God's supernatural intervention to bend our will, affections, and thoughts towards His revealed truth. It's a plea for God to cultivate within us a genuine love for His Word and His ways, making them more desirable than anything the world offers. This translates into a daily commitment to seek God's presence through prayer, meditate on His Scriptures, and consciously choose obedience over the pursuit of material gain or fleeting pleasures. It's an active surrender to God's shaping influence, allowing Him to purify our motives and direct our life's trajectory, aligning our deepest desires with His divine purposes.
Why is "covetousness" specifically mentioned as the opposite of God's testimonies?
Covetousness is singled out because it represents a fundamental spiritual misalignment and a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and provision. While God's "testimonies" (His laws and decrees) guide us towards righteousness, contentment, and trust in Him, covetousness is an insatiable desire for what is not rightfully ours or an excessive craving for material possessions. It is inherently self-serving and often leads to other sins like theft, injustice, and idolatry, as Colossians 3:5 states that "covetousness... is idolatry." It signifies a heart that places its trust and hope in worldly wealth rather than in God, making it a direct competitor for the heart's ultimate allegiance. Thus, the psalmist contrasts the life-giving truth of God's Word with the soul-destroying nature of greed, highlighting that one cannot serve both God and mammon, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:24.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 119:36 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist prays for his heart to be inclined to God's testimonies, Jesus perfectly embodied this prayer. His heart was always and perfectly inclined to the Father's will and testimonies, as He declared, "I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me" (John 6:38). Unlike humanity, whose hearts are naturally prone to covetousness and sin, Jesus lived a life utterly free from such desires, demonstrating perfect contentment and trust in God's provision. He consistently warned against the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of worldly riches, famously teaching, "You cannot serve God and money" (Matthew 6:24). Through His atoning work, Christ not only fulfilled the law but also provides the means for our hearts to be transformed. The Holy Spirit, given through Christ, empowers believers to have their hearts "inclined" towards God's truth, writing His laws not on stone tablets but on the "tablets of human hearts" (2 Corinthians 3:3). Thus, the prayer of the psalmist becomes a reality for those in Christ, as He enables us to genuinely desire and live by God's testimonies, freeing us from the bondage of covetousness and worldly allure, and leading us into a life of true spiritual riches found only in Him, as promised in Philippians 4:19.