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Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
7I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments.
8I will observe your statutes. Don’t utterly forsake me. BETH
9How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
10With my whole heart I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments.
11I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Notice
A young man’s question about keeping his way pure turns attention toward the choices that bring a whole life into agreement with God’s word.
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Where else Scripture says this
12 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.
This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
2 Timothy 3:16Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,Both texts connect Scripture with right living: the psalm speaks of a pure way, and Timothy names instruction in righteousness.
2 Timothy 2:22Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.Both address purity in relation to youth; Timothy names desires to flee and righteousness to pursue with others.
James 1:21–25Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.Both connect the word with turning from moral uncleanness; James speaks of receiving it with humility.
2 Timothy 3:15–17From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.Both connect Scripture with life from a young age, though Timothy speaks of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Joshua 1:7Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right …Both describe a life directed by God’s commands, with Joshua told to keep from turning aside from the law.
Psalm 25:7Don’t remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Remember me according to your loving kindness, for your goodness’ sake, LORD.Both speak of youth in relation to sin: one seeks a pure way, while the other asks for mercy.
Psalm 119:11I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.Both connect God’s word with avoiding sin; verse 11 describes keeping that word within the heart.
Titus 2:4–6that they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children,Both concern how young people live; Titus names love within the family, while the psalm points to God’s word.
Psalm 1:1–3Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;Both describe conduct through the language of a way or path, linking a person’s course with moral choices.
Proverbs 1:10My son, if sinners entice you, don’t consent.Both address moral choices in youth; Proverbs names refusing the enticement of sinners as a specific response.
Psalm 34:11Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the LORD.Both address the young with instruction concerning God: one teaches fear of the LORD, the other obedience to his word.
2 Timothy 2:21If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.Both connect purity with how a person lives; Timothy describes cleansing in relation to readiness for good work.
Where this verse fits
Temptation. parenting. sermon or Bible study notes.
One step
Something small to carry out of this verse
Encouragement
The answer is clear, though obedience can be hard. God’s word gives direction for the life you live; keeping your way pure means living according to it.
Now put it in your words.
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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).