---

I kept myself from mine iniquity (perversion, distortion, departure from the line of truth and rectitude). The life of a good man is a conflict (2 Samuel 10:12). "A man will never persevere in the practice of uprightness and godliness, unless he carefully keep himself from his inquiry" (Calvin). His self-preservation -

I. IMPLIES EXPOSURE TO A DANGEROUS ENEMY.

1. There is none greater than sin. Every other evil is slight compared with it.

2. Each man has "his besetting sin." "I kept myself," not merely against iniquity becoming my own, but against the iniquity which lies near to me, and to which I am specially liable from my constitution or condition (1 Samuel 24:5). A traitor within the fortress is a more dangerous foe than any other.

3. It besets him at all times, in all places, and by manifold "devices."

4. To be overcome by it is inexpressibly disastrous.

II. REQUIRES THE ADOPTION OF PROPER METHODS.

1. Due consideration of the danger. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

2. Constant and resolute vigilance against the first approaches of the enemy (Hebrews 3:13).

3. The habitual practice of self-restraint and self-denial.

4. The daily exercise of the virtues and graces that are most opposite to the sins to which he is disposed (Galatians 5:16).

5. Familiar acquaintance with the Word or God (Ephesians 6:13-17).

6. Continual looking unto God for his effectual aid. "Kept [guarded] by the power of God through faith," etc. (1 Peter 1:5).

7. Unceasing prayer. "Keep yourselves in the love of God" (Jude 1:21); "Keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21).

III. DESERVES TO BE SOUGHT WITH THE UTMOST EARNESTNESS, because of the advantages by which it is attended.

1. An assurance of personal sincerity (1 John 5:18; Hebrews 3:14). "The careful abstaining from our own iniquity is one of the best evidences of our own integrity; and the testimony of our conscience that we have done so will be such a rejoicing as will not only lessen the grief of an afflicted, state, but increase the comfort of an advanced state" (Matthew Henry).

2. An experience of Divine help, of which it is an indispensable condition.

3. An increase of moral strength.

4. A preparation for future victories. "To mortify and conquer our own appetites is more praiseworthy than to storm strong cities, to defeat mighty armies, work miracles, or raise the dead" (Scupoli). - D.

---

---

KJV: I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.

WEB: I was also perfect toward him. I kept myself from my iniquity.