Psalms 119:37
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse asks God to "turn my eyes" away from worthless things, highlighting that our gaze is not entirely our own to control; it needs divine redirection. It also asks to be "quicken[ed]" in God's ways, which isn't just about starting to live for God, but about receiving a fresh infusion of life and energy to continue walking in obedience.
The Psalmist is pleading with God to guide him, expressing a deep desire to understand and follow God's ways. He's confessing the human tendency to be drawn to worldly distractions and sins, asking for divine help to look away from these temptations. This prayer for protection from worthless things is immediately followed by a plea for God to invigorate him to live fully in God's path.
What does the Bible mean by 'vanity,' and why is it so dangerous to our walk with God?
The psalmist cries out, 'Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things.' The Hebrew word translated here as 'vanity' or 'worthless things' points to something empty, fleeting, and ultimately deceptive. It's not just about obviously sinful actions, but also the subtle allure of worldly possessions, status, and pleasures. These things promise fulfillment but leave us hollow.
Think of it like this:
How does turning away from the world lead to a more vibrant life in God?
The second half of the verse is a powerful plea: '...and give me life in your ways.' This isn't just a request for survival, but for abundant life. The psalmist understands that true vitality doesn't come from chasing fleeting worldly pleasures, but from immersing himself in God's commands and wisdom.
This 'life in your ways' means:
Understand the original words
shav · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Things that are empty, futile, or lacking in spiritual substance or value. In a biblical context, it often refers to idols or pursuits that do not lead to God and ultimately offer nothing of eternal worth.
chayah · Hebrew Verb
To be revived, sustained, or given vitality. Biblically, life is not merely biological existence but is found in relationship with God and obedience to His Word.
This verse echoes the Psalmist's plea, emphasizing the importance of guarding one's heart, as it is the source of all life, directly relating to the call to turn eyes from worthless things.
Matthew 5:28Jesus expands on the idea of turning away from harmful sights, showing that even looking with lust is a sin, reinforcing the Psalmist's desire to have his eyes protected from corrupting influences.
Philippians 4:8This passage provides a positive counterpart to avoiding vanity, directing our minds toward things that are true, noble, and good, thus filling our 'vision' with what is life-giving.
1 John 2:16This verse directly addresses the 'lust of the eyes' and the allure of worldly things, highlighting the pervasiveness of vanity that the Psalmist prays to be turned away from.
Romans 12:2This passage calls for a transformation of the mind, a crucial element in being able to 'turn away' from worldly desires and instead be 'renewed' to understand God's will, aligning with the desire for life in God's ways.
pulpitPsalms 119:37: "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."
Verse 37. - Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity. Let me not be distracted from thy service by the "vanities" of the world - wealth, honor, power, glory, and the like; rather, quicken thou me in thy way. Give me increased life, strength, and vigor, to walk continually in the way of thy commandments.
poolePsalms 119:37: "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."
Vanity; the vain things and lusts of this present evil world, such as riches, honours, pleasures; from beholding them, to wit, with admiration and inordinate affection; for such a sight of the eyes doth usually affect the heart, and stir up men’s lusts and passions; of which see Numbers 15:39 Job 31:1 Proverbs 4:25 23:5,6 Mt 5:28 Quicken thou me in thy way; as I desire that I may be dull and dead in affl…
The verse asks God to "turn my eyes" away from worthless things, highlighting that our gaze is not entirely our own to control; it needs divine redirection. It also asks to be "quicken[ed]" in God's ways, which isn't just about starting to live for God, but about receiving a fresh infusion of life and energy to continue walking in obedience.
The Psalmist is pleading with God to guide him, expressing a deep desire to understand and follow God's ways. He's confessing the human tendency to be drawn to worldly distractions and sins, asking for divine help to look away from these temptations. This prayer for protection from worthless things is immediately followed by a plea for God to invigorate him to live fully in God's path.
The Psalmist is pleading with God to guide him, expressing a deep desire to understand and follow God's ways. He's confessing the human tendency to be drawn to worldly distractions and sins, asking for divine help to look away from these temptations. This prayer for protection from worthless things is immediately followed by a plea for God to invigorate him to live fully in God's path.
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"Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways." — The verse asks God to "turn my eyes" away from worthless things, highlighting that our gaze is not entirely our own to control; it needs divine redirection. It also asks to be "quicken[ed]" in God's…
