What is the meaning of Psalm 119:101? I have kept my feet The psalmist makes a deliberate, personal claim: “I have kept my feet.” • The image is active—choosing where to step, like Psalm 17:5, “My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped”. • It reflects vigilance. Proverbs 4:26 tells us, “Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure”. • This determination is possible because God’s Word provides the light (Psalm 119:105). The psalmist isn’t boasting in himself; he’s testifying that obedience is achievable when guided by Scripture’s sure truth. from every evil path The phrase broadens the commitment: not just avoiding some evil, but “every” evil path. • Scripture consistently divides life into two ways—righteous or wicked (Psalm 1:1-6; Matthew 7:13-14). • “Every” reminds us that partial holiness is not the goal. James 2:10 underscores that one breach makes a person “guilty of all.” • Staying off evil paths protects fellowship with God. Proverbs 4:14-15 commands, “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked… avoid it, do not travel on it”. that I may keep Here we see purpose: avoiding evil is not an end in itself but serves a greater aim. • Negatives (what we refuse) make room for positives (what we pursue). 2 Timothy 2:21 mirrors this: one who cleanses himself “will be a vessel for honor… prepared for every good work”. • “May” signals dependence on grace; the psalmist recognizes that divine enablement is needed, as in Psalm 119:133, “Direct my steps in Your word; let no iniquity rule over me”. Your word Ultimately, the psalmist’s loyalty is to God’s revealed truth. • God’s Word is the objective standard that shapes decisions (Psalm 19:7-11). • Keeping the Word brings blessing and protection (Joshua 1:8; John 14:23). • The personal pronoun “Your” stresses relationship: obedience flows from love for the Author (Psalm 119:97, “How I love Your law!”). summary Psalm 119:101 condenses a life principle: intentional avoidance of sin clears the way for wholehearted obedience to God’s infallible Word. By guarding our steps through Scripture’s light, we remain on the safe path, honor the Lord, and experience the freedom that comes only from walking in His truth. |
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