Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 9. A young man cleanse his way ] jra orach, which we translate way here, signifies a track, a rut, such as is made by the wheel of a cart or chariot. A young sinner has no broad beaten path; he has his private ways of offense, his secret pollutions: and how shall he be cleansed from these? how can he be saved from what will destroy mind, body, and soul? Let him hear what follows; the description is from God.
1. He is to consider that his way is impure; and how abominable this must make him appear in the sight of God.
2. He must examine it according to God's word, and carefully hear what God has said concerning him and it.
3. He must take heed to it, rml lishmor, to keep guard, and preserve his way-his general course of life, from all defilement.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 9-16 - To original corruption all have added actual sin. The ruin of the youn is either living by no rule at all, or choosing false rules: let the walk by Scripture rules. To doubt of our own wisdom and strength, an to depend upon God, proves the purpose of holiness is sincere. God' word is treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safe but in our hearts, that we may oppose God's precepts to the dominion of sin, his promises to its allurements, and his threatenings to it violence. Let this be our plea with Him to teach us his statutes, that being partakers of his holiness, we may also partake of his blessedness. And those whose hearts are fed with the bread of life should with their lips feed many. In the way of God's commandment there is the unsearchable riches of Christ. But we do not meditate of God's precepts to good purpose, unless our good thoughts produce goo works. I will not only think of thy statutes, but do them with delight And it will be well to try the sincerity of our obedience by tracin the spring of it; the reality of our love by cheerfulness in appointe duties.
Original Hebrew במה4100 יזכה2135 נער5288 את853 ארחו734 לשׁמר8104 כדברך׃1697
