Psalms 119:72-127

Instruction from your lips  is better for me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Your hands made me and formed me;  give me understanding so that I can learn your commands.  Those who fear you will see me and rejoice,  for I put my hope in your word.  I know, LORD, that your judgments are just and that you have afflicted me fairly.  May your faithful love comfort me as you promised your servant. May your compassion come to me  so that I may live, for your instruction is my delight.  Let the arrogant be put to shame  for slandering me with lies; I will meditate on your precepts. Let those who fear you, those who know your decrees, turn to me. May my heart be blameless regarding your statutes  so that I will not be put to shame. I long for your salvation;  I put my hope in your word.  My eyes grow weary looking for what you have promised;  I ask, “When will you comfort me? ” Though I have become like a wineskin dried by smoke, I do not forget your statutes. How many days must your servant wait? When will you execute judgment on my persecutors?  The arrogant have dug pits for me;  they violate your instruction. All your commands are true; people persecute me with lies — help me!  They almost ended my life on earth, but I did not abandon your precepts. Give me life in accordance with your faithful love, and I will obey the decree you have spoken. LORD, your word is forever;  it is firmly fixed in heaven. Your faithfulness is for all generations;  you established the earth, and it stands firm.  Your judgments stand firm today,  for all things are your servants.  If your instruction had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction.  I will never forget your precepts, for you have given me life through them.  I am yours; save me,  for I have studied your precepts.  The wicked hope to destroy me,  but I contemplate your decrees. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your command is without limit. How I love your instruction!  It is my meditation all day long.  Your command makes me wiser than my enemies,  for it is always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers because your decrees are my meditation.  I understand more than the elders  because I obey your precepts.  I have kept my feet from every evil path  to follow your word. I have not turned from your judgments,  for you yourself have instructed me. How sweet your word is  to my taste — sweeter than honey in my mouth. I gain understanding from your precepts;  therefore I hate every false way.  Your word is a lamp for my feet  and a light on my path. I have solemnly sworn  to keep your righteous judgments. I am severely afflicted; LORD, give me life according to your word.  LORD, please accept my freewill offerings of praise,  and teach me your judgments.  My life is constantly in danger,  yet I do not forget your instruction.  The wicked have set a trap for me,  but I have not wandered from your precepts.  I have your decrees as a heritage forever; indeed, they are the joy of my heart.  I am resolved to obey your statutes to the very end.  , I hate those who are double-minded,  but I love your instruction.  You are my shelter and my shield;  I put my hope in your word.  Depart from me,  you evil ones, so that I may obey my God’s commands.  Sustain me as you promised,  and I will live; do not let me be ashamed of my hope.  Sustain me so that I can be safe  and always be concerned about your statutes.  You reject all who stray from your statutes,  for their deceit is a lie. You remove all the wicked on earth as if they were   dross from metal;  therefore, I love your decrees.  I tremble  in awe of you;  I fear your judgments. I have done what is just and right;  do not leave me to my oppressors. Guarantee your servant’s well-being;  do not let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes grow weary  looking for your salvation and for your righteous promise. Deal with your servant based on your faithful love;  teach me your statutes. I am your servant;  give me understanding  so that I may know your decrees. It is time for the  LORD to act,  for they have violated your instruction. Since I love your commands  more than gold, even the purest gold