The heart is often led astray by the eyes. The senses bring fuel to its unholy flames. Therefore, the next petition (ver. 37) asks that they may be made, as it were, to pass on one side of tempting things, which are branded as being "vanity," without real substance or worth, however they may glitter and solicit the gaze. To look longingly on earth's good makes us torpid in God's ways; and to be earnest in the latter makes us dead to the former. There is but one real life for men, the life of union with God and of obedience to His commandments. Therefore, the singer prays to be revived in God's ways. Experience of God's faithfulness to His plighted word will do much to deliver from earth's glamour, as ver. 38 implies. The second clause is elliptical in Hebrew, and is now usually taken as above, meaning that God's promise fulfilled leads men to reverence Him. But the rendering "who is [devoted] to Thy fear" is tenable and perhaps better. The "reproach" in ver. 39 is probably that which would fall on the psalmist if he were unfaithful to God's law. This interpretation gives the best meaning to ver. 39_b_, which would then contain the reason for his desire to keep the "judgments"--_i.e._, the commandments, not the judicial acts--which he feels to be good. The section ends with a constantly recurring strain. God's righteousness, His strict discharge of all obligations, guarantees that no longing, turned to Him, can be left unsatisfied. The languishing desire will be changed into fuller joy of more vigorous life. The necessary precursor of deeper draughts from the Fountain of Life is thirst for it, which faithfully turns aside from earth's sparkling but drugged potions. § ו 41 And let Thy lovingkindnesses come to me, Jehovah, Thy salvation according to Thy promise. 42 And I shall have a word to answer him that reproaches me, For I trust in Thy word. 43 And pluck not the word of truth out of my mouth utterly, For I have waited for Thy judgments. 44 And I would observe Thy law continually, For ever and aye. 45 And I would walk at liberty, For I have sought Thy precepts. 46 And I would speak of Thy testimonies before kings, And not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in Thy judgments, Which I love. 48 And I will lift up my palms to Thy commandments [which I love], And meditate on Thy statutes.