Psalms 119
119
1Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4Thou hast commanded thy precepts
to be kept diligently.
5O that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping thy statutes!
6Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all thy commandments.
7I will praise thee with an upright heart,
when I learn thy righteous ordinances.
8I will observe thy statutes;
O forsake me not utterly!
9How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to thy word.
10With my whole heart I seek thee;
let me not wander from thy commandments!
11I have laid up thy word in my heart,
that I might not sin against thee.
12Blessed be thou, O Lord;
teach me thy statutes!
13With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of thy mouth.
14In the way of thy testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15I will meditate on thy precepts,
and fix my eyes on thy ways.
16I will delight in thy statutes;
I will not forget thy word.
17Deal bountifully with thy servant,
that I may live and observe thy word.
18Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of thy law.
19I am a sojourner on earth;
hide not thy commandments from me!
20My soul is consumed with longing
for thy ordinances at all times.
21Thou dost rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from thy commandments;
22take away from me their scorn and contempt,
for I have kept thy testimonies.
23Even though princes sit plotting against me,
thy servant will meditate on thy statutes.
24Thy testimonies are my delight,
they are my counselors.
25My soul cleaves to the dust;
revive me according to thy word!
26When I told of my ways, thou didst answer me;
teach me thy statutes!
27Make me understand the way of thy precepts,
and I will meditate on thy wondrous works.
28My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to thy word!
29Put false ways far from me;
and graciously teach me thy law!
30I have chosen the way of faithfulness,
I set thy ordinances before me.
31I cleave to thy testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
32I will run in the way of thy commandments
when thou enlargest my understanding!
33Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34Give me understanding, that I may keep thy law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35Lead me in the path of thy commandments,
for I delight in it.
36Incline my heart to thy testimonies,
and not to gain!
37Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
and give me life in thy ways.
38Confirm to thy servant thy promise,
which is for those who fear thee.
39Turn away the reproach which I dread;
for thy ordinances are good.
40Behold, I long for thy precepts;
in thy righteousness give me life!
41Let thy steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
thy salvation according to thy promise;
42then shall I have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in thy word.
43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in thy ordinances.
44I will keep thy law continually,
for ever and ever;
45and I shall walk at liberty,
for I have sought thy precepts.
46I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings,
and shall not be put to shame;
47for I find my delight in thy commandments,
which I love.
48I revere thy commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on thy statutes.
49Remember thy word to thy servant,
in which thou hast made me hope.
50This is my comfort in my affliction
that thy promise gives me life.
51Godless men utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from thy law.
52When I think of thy ordinances from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake thy law.
54Thy statutes have been my songs
in the house of my pilgrimage.
55I remember thy name in the night, O Lord,
and keep thy law.
56This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept thy precepts.
57The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep thy words.
58I entreat thy favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to thy promise.
59When I think of thy ways,
I turn my feet to thy testimonies;
60I hasten and do not delay
to keep thy commandments.
61Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget thy law.
62At midnight I rise to praise thee,
because of thy righteous ordinances.
63I am a companion of all who fear thee,
of those who keep thy precepts.
64The earth, O Lord, is full of thy steadfast love;
teach me thy statutes!
65Thou hast dealt well with thy servant,
O Lord, according to thy word.
66Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in thy commandments.
67Before I was afflicted I went astray;
but now I keep thy word.
68Thou art good and doest good;
teach me thy statutes.
69The godless besmear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep thy precepts;
70their heart is gross like fat,
but I delight in thy law.
71It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn thy statutes.
72The law of thy mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
73Thy hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn thy commandments.
74Those who fear thee shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in thy word.
75I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right,
and that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me.
76Let thy steadfast love be ready to comfort me
according to thy promise to thy servant.
77Let thy mercy come to me, that I may live;
for thy law is my delight.
78Let the godless be put to shame,
because they have subverted me with guile;
as for me, I will meditate on thy precepts.
79Let those who fear thee turn to me,
that they may know thy testimonies.
80May my heart be blameless in thy statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!
81My soul languishes for thy salvation;
I hope in thy word.
82My eyes fail with watching for thy promise;
I ask, “When wilt thou comfort me?”
83For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten thy statutes.
84How long must thy servant endure?
When wilt thou judge those who persecute me?
85Godless men have dug pitfalls for me,
men who do not conform to thy law.
86All thy commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87They have almost made an end of me on earth;
but I have not forsaken thy precepts.
88In thy steadfast love spare my life,
that I may keep the testimonies of thy mouth.
89For ever, O Lord, thy word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90Thy faithfulness endures to all generations;
thou hast established the earth, and it stands fast.
91By thy appointment they stand this day;
for all things are thy servants.
92If thy law had not been my delight,
I should have perished in my affliction.
93I will never forget thy precepts;
for by them thou hast given me life.
94I am thine, save me;
for I have sought thy precepts.
95The wicked lie in wait to destroy me;
but I consider thy testimonies.
96I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but thy commandment is exceedingly broad.
97Oh, how I love thy law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98Thy commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for thy testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than the aged,
for I keep thy precepts.
101I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep thy word.
102I do not turn aside from thy ordinances,
for thou hast taught me.
103How sweet are thy words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104Through thy precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
105Thy word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe thy righteous ordinances.
107I am sorely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to thy word!
108Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me thy ordinances.
109I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget thy law.
110The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from thy precepts.
111Thy testimonies are my heritage for ever;
yea, they are the joy of my heart.
112I incline my heart to perform thy statutes
for ever, to the end.
113I hate double-minded men,
but I love thy law.
114Thou art my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in thy word.
115Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116Uphold me according to thy promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for thy statutes continually!
118Thou dost spurn all who go astray from thy statutes;
yea, their cunning is in vain.
119All the wicked of the earth thou dost count as dross;
therefore I love thy testimonies.
120My flesh trembles for fear of thee,
and I am afraid of thy judgments.
121I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122Be surety for thy servant for good;
let not the godless oppress me.
123My eyes fail with watching for thy salvation,
and for the fulfilment of thy righteous promise.
124Deal with thy servant according to thy steadfast love,
and teach me thy statutes.
125I am thy servant; give me understanding,
that I may know thy testimonies!
126It is time for the Lord to act,
for thy law has been broken.
127Therefore I love thy commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128Therefore I direct my steps by all thy precepts;#119.128 Gk Jerome: Heb uncertain
I hate every false way.
129Thy testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130The unfolding of thy words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131With open mouth I pant,
because I long for thy commandments.
132Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is thy wont toward those who love thy name.
133Keep steady my steps according to thy promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep thy precepts.
135Make thy face shine upon thy servant,
and teach me thy statutes.
136My eyes shed streams of tears,
because men do not keep thy law.
137Righteous art thou, O Lord,
and right are thy judgments.
138Thou hast appointed thy testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget thy words.
140Thy promise is well tried,
and thy servant loves it.
141I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget thy precepts.
142Thy righteousness is righteous for ever,
and thy law is true.
143Trouble and anguish have come upon me,
but thy commandments are my delight.
144Thy testimonies are righteous for ever;
give me understanding that I may live.
145With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep thy statutes.
146I cry to thee; save me,
that I may observe thy testimonies.
147I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in thy words.
148My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate upon thy promise.
149Hear my voice in thy steadfast love;
O Lord, in thy justice preserve my life.
150They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from thy law.
151But thou art near, O Lord,
and all thy commandments are true.
152Long have I known from thy testimonies
that thou hast founded them for ever.
153Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget thy law.
154Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to thy promise!
155Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek thy statutes.
156Great is thy mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to thy justice.
157Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from thy testimonies.
158I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep thy commands.
159Consider how I love thy precepts!
Preserve my life according to thy steadfast love.
160The sum of thy word is truth;
and every one of thy righteous ordinances endures for ever.
161Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of thy words.
162I rejoice at thy word
like one who finds great spoil.
163I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love thy law.
164Seven times a day I praise thee
for thy righteous ordinances.
165Great peace have those who love thy law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166I hope for thy salvation, O Lord,
and I do thy commandments.
167My soul keeps thy testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168I keep thy precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before thee.
169Let my cry come before thee, O Lord;
give me understanding according to thy word!
170Let my supplication come before thee;
deliver me according to thy word.
171My lips will pour forth praise
that thou dost teach me thy statutes.
172My tongue will sing of thy word,
for all thy commandments are right.
173Let thy hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen thy precepts.
174I long for thy salvation, O Lord,
and thy law is my delight.
175Let me live, that I may praise thee,
and let thy ordinances help me.
176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant,
for I do not forget thy commandments.
Currently Selected:
Psalms 119: RSV-C
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America
Psalms 119
119
In praise of the Law of the LORD
1Our LORD, you bless everyone
who lives right
and obeys your Law.
2You bless all those
who follow your commands
from deep in their hearts
3and who never do wrong
or turn from you.
4You have ordered us always
to obey your teachings;
5I don't ever want to stray
from your laws.
6Thinking about your commands
will keep me from doing
some foolish thing.
7I will do right and praise you
by learning to respect
your perfect laws.
8I will obey all of them!
Don't turn your back on me.
9Young people can live
a clean life
by obeying your word.
10I worship you
with all my heart.
Don't let me walk away
from your commands.
11I treasure your word
above all else;
it keeps me from sinning
against you.
12I praise you, LORD!
Teach me your laws.
13With my own mouth,
I tell others the laws
that you have spoken.
14Obeying your instructions
brings as much happiness
as being rich.
15I will study your teachings
and follow your footsteps.
16I will take pleasure
in your laws
and remember your words.
17Treat me with kindness, LORD,
so that I may live
and do what you say.
18Open my mind
and let me discover
the wonders of your Law.
19I live here as a stranger.
Don't keep me from knowing
your commands.
20What I want most of all
and at all times
is to honour your laws.
21You punish those boastful,
worthless nobodies who turn
from your commands.
22Don't let them sneer
and insult me
for following you.
23I keep thinking about
your teachings, LORD,
even if rulers plot
against me.
24Your laws are my greatest joy!
I follow their advice.
25I am at the point of death.
Let your teachings
breathe new life into me.
26When I told you my troubles,
you answered my prayers.
Now teach me your laws.
27Help me to understand
your teachings,
and I will think about
your marvellous deeds.
28I am overcome with sorrow.
Encourage me,
as you have promised to do.
29Keep me from being deceitful,
and be kind enough
to teach me your Law.
30I am determined to be faithful
and to respect your laws.
31I follow your rules, LORD.
Don't let me be ashamed.
32I am eager to learn all
that you want me to do;
help me to understand
more and more.
33Point out your rules to me,
and I won't disobey
even one of them.
34Help me to understand your Law;
I promise to obey it
with all my heart.
35Direct me by your commands!
I love to do what you say.
36Make me want to obey you,
rather than to be rich.
37Take away my foolish desires,
and let me find life
by walking with you.
38I am your servant!
Do for me what you promised
to those who worship you.
39Your wonderful teachings
protect me from the insults
that I hate so much.
40I long for your teachings.
Be true to yourself
and let me live.
41Show me your love
and save me, LORD,
as you have promised.
42Then I will have an answer
for everyone who insults me
for trusting your word.
43I rely on your laws!
Don't take away my chance
to speak your truth.
44I will keep obeying your Law
for ever and ever.
45I have gained perfect freedom
by following your teachings,
46and I trust them so much
that I tell them to kings.
47I love your commands!
They bring me happiness.
48I love and respect them
and will keep them in mind.
49Don't forget your promise
to me, your servant.
I depend on it.
50When I am suffering,
I find comfort in your promise
that leads to life.
51Conceited people sneer at me,
but I obey your Law.
52I find true comfort, LORD,
because your laws have stood
the test of time.
53I get furious when evil people
turn against your Law.
54No matter where I am,
your teachings
fill me with songs.
55Even in the night
I think about you, LORD,
and I obey your Law.
56You have blessed me
because I have always followed
your teachings.
57You, LORD, are my choice,
and I will obey you.
58With all my heart
I beg you to be kind to me,
just as you have promised.
59I pay careful attention
as you lead me,
and I follow closely.
60As soon as you command,
I do what you say.
61Evil people may set a trap,
but I obey your Law.
62Your laws are so fair
that I wake up and praise you
in the middle of the night.
63I choose as my friends
everyone who worships you
and follows your teachings.
64Our LORD, your love is seen
all over the world.
Teach me your laws.
65I am your servant, LORD,
and you have kept your promise
to treat me with kindness.
66Give me wisdom and good sense.
I trust your commands.
67Once you corrected me
for not obeying you,
but now I obey.
68You are kindhearted,
and you do good things,
so teach me your laws.
69My reputation is being ruined
by conceited liars,
but with all my heart
I follow your teachings.
70Those liars have no sense,
but I find happiness
in your Law.
71When you corrected me,
it did me good
because it taught me
to study your laws.
72I would rather obey you
than have a thousand pieces
of silver and gold.
73You created me
and put me together.
Make me wise enough to learn
what you have commanded.
74Your worshippers will see me,
and they will be glad
that I trust your word.
75Your decisions are correct,
and you were right
to punish me.
76I serve you, LORD.
Comfort me with your love,
just as you have promised.
77I love to obey your Law!
Have mercy and let me live.
78Put down those proud people
who hurt me with their lies,
because I have chosen
to study your teachings.
79Let your worshippers come to me,
so they will learn
to obey your rules.
80Let me truly respect your laws,
so I won't be ashamed.
81I long for you to rescue me!
Your word is my only hope.
82I am worn out from waiting
for you to keep your word.
When will you have mercy?
83My life is wasting away
like a dried up wineskin,#119.83 a dried up wineskin: The Hebrew text has “a wineskin in the smoke”. In ancient times bags were made from animal skins to hold wine, but when the bags dried up they cracked and could no longer be used.
but I have not forgotten
your teachings.
84I am your servant!
How long must I suffer?
When will you punish
those troublemakers?
85Those proud people reject
your teachings,
and they dig pits
for me to fall in.
86Your laws can be trusted!
Protect me from cruel liars.
87They have almost killed me,
but I have been faithful
to your teachings.
88Show that you love me
and let me live,
so that I may obey all
of your commands.
89Our LORD, you are eternal!
Your word will last as long
as the heavens.#119.89 Our…heavens: Or “Our LORD, your word is eternal. It will last as long as the heavens.”
90You remain faithful
in every generation,
and the earth you created
will keep standing firm.
91All things are your servants,
and the laws you made
are still in effect today.
92If I had not found happiness
in obeying your Law,
I would have died in misery.
93I won't ever forget
your teachings,
because you give me new life
by following them.
94I belong to you,
and I have respected your laws,
so keep me safe.
95Brutal enemies are waiting
to ambush and destroy me,
but I obey your rules.
96Nothing is completely perfect,
except your teachings.
97I deeply love your Law!
I think about it all day.
98Your laws never leave my mind,
and they make me much wiser
than my enemies.
99Thinking about your teachings
gives me better understanding
than my teachers,
100and obeying your laws
makes me wiser than those
who have lived a long time.
101I obey your word
instead of following a way
that leads to trouble.
102You have been my teacher,
and I won't reject
your instructions.
103Your teachings are sweeter
than honey.
104They give me understanding
and make me hate all lies.
105Your word is a lamp
that gives light
wherever I walk.
106Your laws are fair,
and I have given my word
to respect them all.
107I am in terrible pain!
Save me, LORD,
as you said you would.
108Accept my offerings of praise
and teach me your laws.
109I never forget your teachings,
although my life is always
in danger.
110Some merciless people
are trying to trap me,
but I never turn my back
on your teachings.
111They will always be
my most prized possession
and my source of joy.
112I have made up my mind
to obey your laws for ever,
no matter what.
113I hate anyone
whose loyalty is divided,
but I love your Law.
114You are my place of safety
and my shield.
Your word is my only hope.
115All you worthless people,
get away from me!
I am determined to obey
the commands of my God.
116Be true to your word, LORD.
Keep me alive and strong;
don't let me be ashamed
because of my hope.
117Keep me safe and secure,
so that I will always
respect your laws.
118You reject all deceitful liars
because they refuse
your teachings.
119As far as you are concerned,
all evil people are#119.119 As far as…are: A few Hebrew manuscripts and ancient translations. Most Hebrew manuscripts have “You get rid of evil people as if they were”. rubbish,
and so I follow your rules.
120I tremble all over
when I think of you
and the way you judge.
121I did what was fair and right!
Don't hand me over to those
who want to ill-treat me.
122Take good care of me,
your servant,
and don't let me be harmed
by those conceited people.
123My eyes are weary from waiting
to see you keep your promise
to come and save me.
124Show your love for me,
your servant,
and teach me your laws.
125I serve you,
so let me understand
your teachings.
126Do something, LORD!
They have broken your Law.
127Your laws mean more to me
than the finest gold.
128I follow all your commands,#119.128 I…commands: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
but I hate anyone
who leads me astray.
129Your teachings are wonderful,
and I respect them all.
130Understanding your word
brings light to the minds
of ordinary people.
131I honestly want to know
everything you teach.
132Think about me and be kind,
just as you are to everyone
who loves your name.
133Keep your promise
and don't let me stumble
or let sin control my life.
134Protect me from abuse,
so I can obey your laws.
135Smile on me, your servant,
and teach me your laws.
136When anyone disobeys you,
my eyes overflow with tears.
137Our LORD, you always do right,
and your decisions are fair.
138All your teachings are true
and trustworthy.
139It upsets me greatly
when my enemies neglect
your teachings.
140Your word to me, your servant,
is like pure gold;
I treasure what you say.
141Everyone calls me a nobody,
but I remember your laws.
142You will always do right,
and your teachings are true.
143I am in deep distress,
but I love your teachings.
144Your rules are always fair.
Help me to understand them
and live.
145I pray to you, LORD!
Please answer me.
I promise to obey your laws.
146I beg you to save me,
so I can follow your rules.
147Even before sunrise,
I pray for your help,
and I put my hope
in what you have said.
148I lie awake at night,
thinking of your promises.
149Show that you love me, LORD,
and answer my prayer.
Please do the right thing
and save my life.
150People who disobey your Law
have made evil plans
and want to hurt me,
151but you are with me,
and all your commands
can be trusted.
152From studying your laws,
I found out long ago
that you made them
to last for ever.
153I have not forgotten your Law!
Look at the trouble I am in,
and rescue me.
154Be my defender and protector!
Keep your promise
and save my life.
155Evil people won't obey you,
and so they have no hope
of being saved.
156You are merciful, LORD!
Please do the right thing
and save my life.
157I have a lot of brutal enemies,
but still I never turn
from your laws.
158All those unfaithful people
who refuse to obey you
are disgusting to me.
159Remember how I love your laws,
and show your love for me
by keeping me safe.
160All you say can be trusted;
your teachings are true
and will last for ever.
161Rulers are cruel to me
for no reason.
But with all my heart
I respect your words,
162because they bring happiness
like treasures taken in war.
163I can't stand liars,
but I love your Law.
164I praise you seven times a day
because your laws are fair.
165You give peace of mind
to all who love your Law.
Nothing can make them fall.
166You are my only hope
for being saved, LORD,
and I do all you command.
167I love and obey your laws
with all my heart.
168You know everything I do.
You know I respect every law
you have given.
169Please, LORD, hear my prayer
and give me the understanding
that comes from your word.
170Listen to my concerns
and keep me safe,
just as you have promised.
171If you will teach me your laws,
I will praise you 172and sing
about your promise,
because all your teachings
are what they ought to be.
173Be ready to protect me
because I have chosen
to obey your laws.
174I am waiting for you
to save me, LORD.
Your Law makes me happy.
175Keep me alive,
so I can praise you,
and let me find help
in your teachings.
176I am your servant,
but I have wandered away
like a lost sheep.
Please come after me,
because I have not forgotten
your teachings.
Currently Selected:
:
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
© British and Foreign Bible Society 2012