Psalms 119:101

“I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.”

Context:Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is dedicated to extolling the virtues of God’s Word and the psalmist’s love for it. It consists of 176 verses, divided into 22 sections of eight verses each, with each section starting with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Personal Discipline:In this verse, the psalmist declares that they have exercised personal discipline by refraining their feet from every evil way. This indicates a deliberate choice to avoid paths or actions that are contrary to God’s Word. It shows the psalmist’s commitment to living a righteous life.

The Importance of God’s Word:The psalmist’s motivation for refraining from evil is to keep God’s Word. This verse emphasizes the high value placed on God’s commandments and teachings. The psalmist recognizes the authority and guidance of God’s Word and desires to align their actions and behavior with it.

Obedience and Devotion:The psalmist’s decision to avoid evil ways demonstrates their obedience and devotion to God. They understand that true commitment to God requires more than just reading or hearing His Word; it necessitates applying it in daily life. By making a conscious effort to keep God’s Word, the psalmist shows their reverence for God and their desire to please Him.

• The Power of Choice:The psalmist’s statement also highlights the power of personal choice. We have the ability to decide whether we will walk in the ways of evil or follow the path of righteousness. By exercising self-control and refraining from evil ways, we demonstrate our commitment to God and His Word.