What is the context?
The petitions ask for teaching and understanding so that obedience may be wholehearted. Desire and attention are included in what needs help.
The speaker asks for the heart to turn from covetous gain and the eyes from worthless things. Longing for God’s precepts stands against competing attractions.
The stanza therefore treats learning as more than accumulating knowledge. The requested instruction is meant to change what is loved and pursued.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley emphasizes covetous desire as an obstacle to receiving and practicing God’s instruction.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Matthew 6:19–24 develops the wider theme in Jesus’ teaching about treasure, the heart, the eye, and serving God rather than money. This is not a direct quotation of Psalm 119. The parallel concerns divided desire and allegiance, not a blanket prohibition on material provision.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.
Where can I study this further?
No deeper study linked yet.