Category Archives: Happiness

Purifying a Young Life (Psa 119.9)

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

This is the first verse in the second eight-verse section, where every verse begins with “beth,” the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is one of this psalm’s few questions, and unlike any of the others in its form, very much like a catechism question and answer, in which an instructor poses questions and awaits the memorized answers:

Q. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
A. By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
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The Blessedness of Devout Christians (Psa 119.1-3)

Are you a devout [having and showing deep religious commitment, totally committed to a cause or belief] Christian? Comes from the verb “devote,” to give one’s all to something, 16th century, dedicate formally, consecrate. Would others who know you best say this about you? How do you conduct your life differently from moral non-Christians?

You will never attain or maintain this spiritual condition until and unless you appreciate its true desirability and excellence, until you sincerely crave it because you heartily approve it. And in general, the more fervent your desire, the more successful will be your pursuit.

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