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The psalmist’s theme in the first half (vv. 9–11) is the application of God’s word to life.  The law is applied by “taking heed” to each action in light of the word.  Yet it takes God’s power to keep holding fast to God’s ways; hence the psalmist prays, “O let me not wander from they commandments.”

      Applying God’s word requires “taking heed,” and if you are serious about applying it, you will want to learn more and receive good instruction in how to do this.  So in the second half of this section, the psalmist expresses his desire for God to teach him.  This makes an extremely important point: Scripture (contrary to many critics, and popular opinion) is very intellectual.  There is no dichotomy between head and heart, or between intellect and practicality.  Scripture is extremely practical, can be understood by a child, but it does have everything to do with the mind, and is deep enough to occupy the most rigorous scholarship.  We show our love for the Lord by keeping His commandments (John 14:15, 1 John 5:2), but to do this, we must have understanding; as Paul teaches us, zeal for God and His law must be coupled with knowledge (Romans 10:2).  We must take thoughts and philosophies “captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5).  In short, as the greatest commandment tells us, we must love the Lord with our minds (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27; see also Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:16).