Psalm 119:36-37

Psalm 119:36-37

(36)  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

The Hebrew word for "covetousness" is (OT:1215) betsa` (beh'-tsah); from OT:1214; plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust):"

Another verse with this word is Ezekiel 33:31, "And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness." Here is an example of a congregation who outwardly did the right acts, but inwardly, God saw their true nature: covetous. A heart that is inclined to God's testimonies will do what they hear. But the heart that is set on covetousness might "hear" but will never do. Where do I fall? As one whose heart is inclined to covetousness? or inclined to God's testimonies?

(37)  Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

Turn away - OT:5674 `abar (aw-bar'); a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation):

Vanity - OT:7723 shav' (shawv); or shav (shav); from the same as OT:7722 in the sense of desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, objective; also adverbially, in vain):

Quicken - OT:2421 chayah (khaw-yaw'); a primitive root [compare OT:2331, OT:2421]; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive:

Many of the verses in this chapter seem to be a prayer - a request for God's help. It is acknowledging that we are weak, and He is strong. For instance, this verse; if I take it to heart, then I realize that as much as I try, I will be unable to keep my eyes from seeking vanity, unable to truly be revived in God's way - I must seek God's help in this issue.