“Serious Word for the Young”

Psalm 119:9  How can a young man cleanse his way?  By taking heed according to Your word.

The situation in this verse is of a young man pondering the question of how he may be saved from the corruptions of his own heart, and escape the temptations to which he is exposed in early years, and lead a pure and upright life.

There can be no more important inquiry for one just entering on the spiritual life, and there can be found nowhere a more just and comprehensive answer. 

In the question: How can a young man cleanse his way? the emphasis is on that word “way.”  A way is continuous, and if we are in it we are advancing in it.  The farther that you travel on that way the farther you go away from other directions.  Following the way means that you don’t get off on the wrong path—a path that could be a violation of some part of God’s Word.

The answer is brief but comprehensive:  “By taking heed according to Your word.”  God’s Word is the only rule of righteousness.  All other rules must, in the long run, lead astray.  Only the word of God is pure, and alone exhibits the sum of all perfection in the holiness of God and the character of Christ.  The Word affirms: “Be ye holy, as He who has called you is holy.”

The Word of God is the only means by which we can be cleansed.  “Sanctify them by Thy truth” it says in the Gospel of John.  Where is the truth?  It is found in studying and meditating and memorizing the Word of God.  Study the Word today and everyday!