“Teach me, the way of Your statutes, Lord,
And I shall comply with it to the end.
Give me understanding, so that I may comply with Your Law
And keep it with all my heart.”

“Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
And not to dishonest gain.”

“Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless,
And revive me in Your ways.
Establish Your word to Your servant,
As that which produces reverence for You.”

“Take away my disgrace which I dread,
For Your judgments are good.
Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me through Your righteousness.”

---

Context and Meaning

This stanza (He) is marked by a series of prayers for God’s active help:
“Teach me,” “Give me,” “Make me,” “Incline my heart,” “Turn my eyes,” “Revive me.”

The psalmist acknowledges that obedience and spiritual strength come not from his own power but from God’s instruction, guidance, and revival. His longing is not for riches or gain but for a heart turned fully toward God and His Word.

Key Themes:

1. God Is the Teacher: We need Him to teach and give understanding to follow His statutes (v. 33–34).
2. Delight in God’s Commands: Obedience is joyful when hearts are inclined toward God, not selfish gain (v. 35–36).
3. Guarding the Eyes and Heart: Turning from worthless things keeps us alive in God’s ways (v. 37).
4. God’s Word Establishes Reverence: His promises produce awe and respect for Him (v. 38).
5. Longing for God’s Word Brings Revival: Desire for His precepts invites revival through His righteousness (v. 40).

Reflection and Impact

This section teaches us that growth in godliness is fueled by dependent prayer and God’s gracious enabling:

• God must teach us His way – “Teach me… and I shall comply with it to the end” (v. 33) aligns with John 14:26, where the Spirit teaches and reminds us of all truth.
• Understanding fuels wholehearted obedience – “Give me understanding” (v. 34) reflects Proverbs 2:6: the Lord gives wisdom and understanding.
• Delight comes from a changed heart – “Incline my heart to Your testimonies” (v. 36) echoes Philippians 2:13: God works in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
• Guarding our eyes leads to life – “Turn my eyes away from worthless things” (v. 37) parallels Matthew 6:22–23, where the eye is the lamp of the body.
• Revival flows from God’s righteousness – “Revive me through Your righteousness” (v. 40) matches Romans 1:17, where the righteous live by faith.

Application

• Pray for God’s Teaching Daily: Rely on Him for wisdom and understanding.
• Delight in Obedience: Ask God to incline your heart toward His Word instead of worldly gain.
• Guard Your Eyes: Be intentional about turning away from distractions and worthless pursuits.
• Seek Revival Through Righteousness: Let God’s truth restore and refresh your soul.

Closing Thought

The path of obedience is walked by grace. God teaches, inclines, turns, and revives us—so that His Word becomes our delight and our life.
“Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless, and revive me in Your ways.”