Psalms 119:36

“Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.”

Context:Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is known for its emphasis on the Word of God. It consists of 176 verses divided into sections, each starting with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalmist expresses his love and devotion for God’s law and seeks guidance in living a righteous life.

Prayer for Inclining the Heart:The psalmist begins this verse with a prayer, asking God to incline or direct his heart towards God’s testimonies. This demonstrates the psalmist’s desire to have a heart that is aligned with God’s will and ways. It reflects a recognition that the natural inclination of the human heart may not always be in line with God’s commands.

God’s Testimonies:The term “testimonies” refers to God’s revealed word, His commandments, statutes, and teachings. The psalmist acknowledges the importance of God’s testimonies as a source of guidance and wisdom for life. By seeking to have his heart inclined towards God’s testimonies, the psalmist desires to be obedient to God and to follow His ways.

Guarding Against Covetousness:In the latter part of the verse, the psalmist contrasts the desired inclination of the heart towards God’s testimonies with the inclination towards covetousness. Covetousness is an excessive desire for wealth, possessions, or things that belong to others. The psalmist recognizes the danger of allowing covetousness to take hold of the heart, as it can lead to disobedience and a departure from God’s ways.