The Path of Purity
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
February 18, 2026
Dear Praying Friends,
Living in purity is important because God is pure.
That simple statement answers the “why” question. We seek to live in purity because the God we know, love, and serve is a pure God.
The next big question is “How? How do we live pure lives in a wicked and defiling world? How do we overcome the natural, sinful tendencies within us?” These are the questions the psalmist answers in Psalm 119.
Today we will consider the second section of the psalm, beginning with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Beth (Psalm 119:9–16 NIV):
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
The opening question, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” sets the tone for the rest of the passage.
It is worth noting that the question is directed to a young person. While the truth of this passage is not limited to youth, the psalmist focuses on young people because he knows that when these principles are learned early in life, they will remain strong well into adulthood.
Let’s consider how the writer, guided by the Holy Spirit, answers the question of purity:
Living the truth. If a person is going to live in the realm of truth, then he or she must combat the lies coming from the enemy. Those lies keep coming — day after day — hard and fast, without relenting.
Lies about our worth.
Lies about our identity.
Lies about our belonging.
Lies about our purpose.
Jesus rightly said, “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Seeking after truth. It is easy for us to stray from the God we love. Sin can look very desirable, and before we even realize it, we drift into dangerous and defiling territory. This verse calls us to wholehearted devotion to Christ. God wants us to seek Him with all our being. By rising each morning with an acute toward-God focus, we will enjoy the blessings of His presence.
Hiding the truth. The psalmist speaks of hiding God’s Word in our hearts. This is the idea of storing it up like a precious treasure. Imagine owning five million dollars in small, pure gold medallions. That is a treasure you would carefully guard and protect! In the same way, we are to take the truth of God into our hearts and protect it above all else. As we spend time with Jesus and His Word, our love for the truth will deepen.
Submitting to truth. After his brief burst of praise in verse 12, the psalmist prays, “Teach me your decrees.” His will is surrendered, his heart is open, and he is willing to obey the truth of God. Living in truth is not always easy, but it is a life that brings honor and praise to God. This means saying no to sin and yes to righteousness.
Speaking the truth. Using your God-given voice to shape words and speak the truth is one of the best ways to confirm it in your own life. Speak it to your spouse. Speak it to your children. Speak it to your parents. Speak it to God Himself. Speak it to your enemies — and most of all, speak it to yourself. When was the last time you spoke truth to encourage a fellow believer?
Meditating on truth. Take time to ponder and reflect on the truth of God. I sometimes find myself in such a rush — to finish a reading plan, to get on with the activities of the day, to do what needs to be done — that I fail to stop and truly meditate on God’s Word. This practice will bring depth and richness to your love for Jesus.
Rejoicing in truth. What brings you genuine delight? When your life becomes so oriented toward God and His truth that you delight in practicing it, the temptations of impurity will lose much of their grip. Sadly, we will always be fighting the inward sinful impulses of our hearts, but finding joy in things like sharing, worshipping, and helping others will strengthen your resolve for truth.
Knowing the truth. The psalmist closes this section in verse 16 by saying, “I will not neglect your word.” He is determined to make God’s Word first and foremost. He will ensure that it has center stage in his life. As we pray today for prodigals and for revival, may we do so with pure hearts, even as He is pure.
Warmly in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel