Translations.
Psalm 119: 1 (ESV) – Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!
Psalm 119:1 LXX
μακάριοι άμωμοι εν οδώ οι πορευόμενοι εν. νόμω κυρίου
Blessed are – [the] unblemished – in – [the] way. – the ones – going – by. [the] law – of [the] Lord
Psalm 119:1 Interlinear from the Hebrew – Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way who walk in the law of Yahweh.
Connections
In the LXX the word άμωμοι (amomoi) is translated as “unblemished”, in Hebrew the translation is “undefiled. In the New Testament we see this same word often translated as “blameless” or “without fault”. The NAS has “above reproach” and the INT has “unblameable”. All nine mentions refer to either Jesus or The Church.
What does being blameless, above reproach, or without fault mean? Is that even possible in my human condition? Philippians 1:9-10 tells us “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ”. Later in 2:14-15 Paul writes “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless (ἄμεμπτοι) and innocent, children of God without blemish (ἄμωμα) in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world”.
Reflections
So the answer to my question is “yes” – being blameless, or above reproach, is a heart condition, not a behaviour monitor.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us – “keep your heart with all vigilance for from it flow the springs of life”.
Strengths Coaches comment – Responsibility is a talent that loves to say “yes”, one of the best uses of this is in saying yes to ourselves, to our self-care, our wellbeing plan, and thereafter our ability to choose wisely what else we say yes to.
Blessings
Allan