and not to covetous gain
This part of the verse contrasts the desire for God's Word with the temptation of materialism and greed. Covetousness is condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:17) and in the teachings of Jesus, who warned against storing up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). The psalmist's prayer reflects an understanding that the pursuit of wealth can lead one away from God, as illustrated in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21). The request to avoid covetous gain aligns with the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 30:8-9, which asks for neither poverty nor riches but daily sustenance. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that true contentment and fulfillment are found in God alone, not in material possessions.

The psalmist begins with an honest plea: “Turn my heart.” He recognizes that real change starts inside, and only the Lord can redirect a heart that naturally drifts.

• Psalm 51:10 echoes this same dependence: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”

• Ezekiel 36:26 promises God’s enabling: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”

• Philippians 2:13 affirms the divine initiative even under the new covenant: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.”

The request has a clear goal—alignment with God’s written Word. “Testimonies” speaks of every declaration God has made, calling for more than casual reading; it invites delight and obedience.

• Psalm 19:7: “The testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple,” underscoring Scripture’s reliability.

• Joshua 1:8 illustrates the blessing of a heart fixed on the Word: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night… then you will prosper.”

• James 1:22 urges active response: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

The phrase sets up a decisive contrast. Biblical devotion is exclusive; a heart cannot chase conflicting loves (Matthew 6:24).

• Romans 12:2 directs believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” and refuse conformity to the age.

• Psalm 1:1–2 pictures the blessed man who avoids ungodly influences while delighting in God’s law.

• Galatians 5:16–17 shows the Spirit-flesh conflict, reminding us that we choose daily which desire gains traction.

Here the psalmist identifies the rival attraction: greedy profit. Scripture often pairs love for wealth with spiritual peril.

• 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

• Proverbs 28:22 warns, “A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.”

• Luke 12:15 cautions, “Watch out and guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

The heart that longs for God’s testimonies cannot simultaneously crave dishonest gain; the two appetites are mutually exclusive.

Psalm 119:36 is a concise, two-part prayer: “Lord, bend my inner desires toward Your reliable Word and away from the lure of selfish profit.” It reminds us that true obedience flows from a divinely redirected heart, saturated with Scripture, and guarded against the consuming pull of greed.