Psalms 119:11

Commentary on Psalm 119:11

“I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11 NKJV)

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, extolling the virtues of God’s law and emphasising the importance of scripture in the believer’s life. Psalm 119:11, in particular, is a profound declaration of the psalmist’s commitment to God’s word as a means of maintaining purity and avoiding sin.

Contextual and Theological Insights

Psalm 119:11 is viewed through the lens of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), one of the five solas. This verse underscores the necessity of internalising God’s word for sanctification and guidance.

Hiding God’s Word

The phrase “I have hidden Your word in my heart” suggests a deliberate and intimate act of memorisation and meditation. This is crucial for spiritual growth and resilience against sin. The heart, in biblical terms, is the seat of emotion and decision-making; hence, hiding God’s Word there implies making it central to one’s life.

Purpose: Avoiding Sin

The latter part of the verse, “that I might not sin against You,” clearly articulates the purpose of internalising scripture. Humans are inherently sinful (Total Depravity), and it is only through the transformative power of God’s Word that believers can resist sin. This aligns with the doctrine of sanctification, where the Holy Spirit uses scripture to mould believers into the likeness of Christ.

Application to Modern Christian Living

Spiritual Discipline

Modern Christians are encouraged to adopt spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, memorisation, and meditation. Psalm 119:11 serves as a reminder of the transformative power of these practices.

Moral Guidance

In an age of moral relativism, internalising God’s word provides a steadfast guide. Scripture is sufficient for all aspects of life and godliness (2 Timothy 3:16–17), offering clear principles for ethical and moral decision-making.

Resisting Temptation

Just as Jesus used scripture to counter Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1–11), believers are urged to arm themselves with God’s word. Psalm 119:11 highlights the preventative power of scripture against sinful tendencies and external temptations.

Personal Sanctification

The verse underscores the personal responsibility of believers in their sanctification journey. By hiding God’s Word in their hearts, Christians actively participate in their spiritual growth, cooperating with the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 119:11’s message is clear: Scripture is a powerful tool for sanctification and moral guidance. By internalising God’s word, believers can resist sin and grow in their faith, making it a cornerstone of modern Christian living.