Psalms 119:14-127 - Compare All Versions

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I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands. Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise; then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees. Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night, LORD, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees. Do good to your servant according to your word, LORD. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth. Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless. Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word. Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws. I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken. Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold

In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame! I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared. Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good. Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life! Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules. I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts. I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love. I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD. Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law. Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law. This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts. The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words. I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules. I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes! You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies. May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame! My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?” For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes. How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me? The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law. All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me! They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad. Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word! Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end. I hate the double-minded, but I love your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me. My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken. Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.

I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice. I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. LORD, don’t let me be put to shame! I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding. Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. LORD, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope. I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. I will speak to kings about your laws, and I will not be ashamed. How I delight in your commands! How I love them! I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees. Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O LORD, they comfort me. I become furious with the wicked, because they reject your instructions. Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. I reflect at night on who you are, O LORD; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments. LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments. O LORD, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees. You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments. Let me be united with all who fear you, with those who know your laws. May I be blameless in keeping your decrees; then I will never be ashamed. I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees. How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me? These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me. All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause. They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments. In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws. Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. I am yours; rescue me! For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments. Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws. Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit. Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. I have suffered much, O LORD; restore my life again as you promised. LORD, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations. My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments. Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end. I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God. LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws! I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations. Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies, for I have done what is just and right. Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don’t let the arrogant oppress me! My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled. I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your decrees. Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. LORD, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions. Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.

I rejoice in the way revealed by your decrees  as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts  and think about your ways.  I will delight in your statutes;  I will not forget your word. Deal generously with your servant  so that I might live; then I will keep your word. Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction. I am a resident alien on earth;  do not hide your commands from me. I am continually overcome with longing for your judgments.  You rebuke the arrogant, the ones under a curse,  who wander from your commands.  Take insult and contempt away from me,  for I have kept your decrees. Though princes sit together speaking against me,  your servant will think about your statutes;  your decrees are my delight and my counselors.  My life is down in the dust;  give me life  through your word. I told you about my life, and you answered me; teach me your statutes.  Help me understand the meaning of your precepts so that I can meditate on your wonders.  I am weary  from grief; strengthen me through your word.  Keep me from the way of deceit and graciously give me your instruction. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set your ordinances before me.  I cling to your decrees; LORD, do not put me to shame.  I pursue the way of your commands, for you broaden my understanding.  , Teach me, LORD, the meaning  of your statutes, and I will always keep them.  , Help me understand your instruction,  and I will obey it and follow it with all my heart.  Help me stay on the path of your commands,  for I take pleasure in it.  Turn my heart to your decrees  and not to dishonest profit.  Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless;  give me life in your ways.  , Confirm what you said to your servant,  for it produces reverence for you. Turn away the disgrace I dread;  indeed, your judgments are good. How I long for your precepts!  Give me life through your righteousness. Let your faithful love come to me,  LORD,  your salvation, as you promised.  Then I can answer the one who taunts me,  for I trust in your word. Never take the word of truth from my mouth, for I hope in your judgments.  I will always obey your instruction, forever and ever.  I will walk freely in an open place  because I study your precepts.  I will speak of your decrees before kings and not be ashamed.  I delight in your commands, which I love.  I will lift up my hands  to your commands, which I love, and will meditate on your statutes.  Remember your word to your servant; you have given me hope through it. This is my comfort in my affliction:  Your promise has given me life. The arrogant constantly ridicule me, but I do not turn away from your instruction.  LORD, I remember your judgments from long ago and find comfort. Fury seizes me  because of the wicked who reject your instruction.  Your statutes are the theme of my song during my earthly life.  LORD, I remember your name  in the night,  and I obey your instruction. This is my practice: I obey your precepts.  The LORD is my portion;  , I have promised to keep your words. I have sought your favor  with all my heart; be gracious to me  according to your promise. I thought about my ways  and turned my steps back to your decrees. I hurried, not hesitating to keep your commands. Though the ropes of the wicked  were wrapped around me, I did not forget your instruction.  I rise at midnight to thank you  for your righteous judgments.  I am a friend to all who fear you,  to those who keep your precepts. LORD, the earth is filled with your faithful love;  teach me your statutes.  LORD, you have treated your servant well, just as you promised. Teach me good judgment and discernment,  for I rely on your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray,  but now I keep your word. You are good,  and you do what is good;  teach me your statutes. The arrogant have smeared me with lies,  but I obey your precepts with all my heart.  Their hearts are hard and insensitive,  but I delight in your instruction.  It was good for me to be afflicted  so that I could learn your statutes. 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

I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Deal bountifully with thy servant, That I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, That I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. I am a stranger in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud That are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt: For I have kept thy testimonies. Princes also did sit and speak against me: But thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. Thy testimonies also are My delight and my counsellors. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word. I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: Teach me thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove from me the way of lying: And grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; And quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word Unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: For thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, Even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: For I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: For I seek thy precepts. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself In thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate in thy statutes. Remember the word unto thy servant, Upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: For thy word hath quickened me. The proud have had me greatly in derision: Yet have I not declined from thy law. I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; And have comforted myself. Horror hath taken hold upon me Because of the wicked that forsake thy law. Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. This I had, because I kept thy precepts. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word. I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not To keep thy commandments. The bands of the wicked have robbed me: But I have not forgotten thy law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous judgments. I am a companion of all them That fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. The earth, O LORD, is full of Thy mercy: Teach me thy statutes. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge: For I have believed thy commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray: But now have I kept thy word. Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes. The proud have forged a lie against me: But I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; Because I have hoped in thy word. I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, And that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: For thy law is my delight. Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: But I will meditate in thy precepts. Let those that fear thee turn unto me, And those that have known thy testimonies. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; That I be not ashamed. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: But I hope in thy word. Mine eyes fail for thy word, Saying, When wilt thou comfort me? For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes. How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? The proud have digged pits for me, Which are not after thy law. All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. For ever, O LORD, Thy word Is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: For all are thy servants. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. I will never forget thy precepts: For with them thou hast quickened me. I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: But I will consider thy testimonies. I have seen an end of all perfection: But thy commandment is exceeding broad. O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: For thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might keep thy word. I have not departed From thy judgments: For thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, That I will keep thy righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, And teach me thy judgments. My soul is continually in my hand: Yet do I not forget thy law. The wicked have laid a snare for me: Yet I erred not from thy precepts. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: For they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes Alway, even unto the end. I hate vain thoughts: But thy law do I love. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Depart from me, ye evildoers: For I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: And let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: And I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: For their deceit is falsehood. Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. I have done judgment and justice: Leave me not to mine oppressors. Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me. Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for the word of thy righteousness. Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, And teach me thy statutes. I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies. It is time for thee, LORD, to work: For they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold; yea, above fine gold.

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. GIMEL Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul breaks with longing For Your judgments at all times. You rebuke the proud—the cursed, Who stray from Your commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt, For I have kept Your testimonies. Princes also sit and speak against me, But Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies also are my delight And my counselors. DALETH My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. I have declared my ways, and You answered me; Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove from me the way of lying, And grant me Your law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame! I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart. HE Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way. Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You. Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness. WAW Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD— Your salvation according to Your word. So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances. So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes. ZAYIN Remember the word to Your servant, Upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life. The proud have me in great derision, Yet I do not turn aside from Your law. I remembered Your judgments of old, O LORD, And have comforted myself. Indignation has taken hold of me Because of the wicked, who forsake Your law. Your statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. I remember Your name in the night, O LORD, And I keep Your law. This has become mine, Because I kept Your precepts. HETH You are my portion, O LORD; I have said that I would keep Your words. I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; Be merciful to me according to Your word. I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies. I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments. The cords of the wicked have bound me, But I have not forgotten Your law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments. I am a companion of all who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts. The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; Teach me Your statutes. TETH You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes. The proud have forged a lie against me, But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as grease, But I delight in Your law. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver. YOD Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, Because I have hoped in Your word. I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to Your word to Your servant. Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; For Your law is my delight. Let the proud be ashamed, For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; But I will meditate on Your precepts. Let those who fear You turn to me, Those who know Your testimonies. Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, That I may not be ashamed. KAPH My soul faints for Your salvation, But I hope in Your word. My eyes fail from searching Your word, Saying, “When will You comfort me?” For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, Yet I do not forget Your statutes. How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me? The proud have dug pits for me, Which is not according to Your law. All Your commandments are faithful; They persecute me wrongfully; Help me! They almost made an end of me on earth, But I did not forsake Your precepts. Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. LAMED Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides. They continue this day according to Your ordinances, For all are Your servants. Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life. I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts. The wicked wait for me to destroy me, But I will consider Your testimonies. I have seen the consummation of all perfection, But Your commandment is exceedingly broad. MEM Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. NUN Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word. Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, And teach me Your judgments. My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts. Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, For they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, to the very end. SAMEK I hate the double-minded, But I love Your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. Depart from me, you evildoers, For I will keep the commandments of my God! Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Hold me up, and I shall be safe, And I shall observe Your statutes continually. You reject all those who stray from Your statutes, For their deceit is falsehood. You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross; Therefore I love Your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear of You, And I am afraid of Your judgments. AYIN I have done justice and righteousness; Do not leave me to my oppressors. Be surety for Your servant for good; Do not let the proud oppress me. My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation And Your righteous word. Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, And teach me Your statutes. I am Your servant; Give me understanding, That I may know Your testimonies. It is time for You to act, O LORD, For they have regarded Your law as void. Therefore I love Your commandments More than gold, yes, than fine gold!

How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, GOD; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it. * * * Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life; not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road. Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders. I’m a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions. My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!— insatiable for your nourishing commands. And those who think they know so much, ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it! Don’t let them mock and humiliate me; I’ve been careful to do just what you said. While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me, I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel. Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight; I listen to them as to good neighbors! * * * I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse! Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember? When I told my story, you responded; train me well in your deep wisdom. Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders. My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn; build me up again by your Word. Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation. I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner. I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; GOD, don’t let me down! I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how. * * * GOD, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me— promises made to all who fear you. Deflect the harsh words of my critics— but what you say is always so good. See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways! * * * Let your love, GOD, shape my life with salvation, exactly as you promised; Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted your Word. Don’t ever deprive me of truth, not ever— your commandments are what I depend on. Oh, I’ll guard with my life what you’ve revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; And I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I’ll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!— relishing every fragment of your counsel. * * * Remember what you said to me, your servant— I hang on to these words for dear life! These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me. The haters hate me without mercy, but I don’t budge from your revelation. I watch for your ancient landmark words, and know I’m on the right track. But when I see the wicked ignore your directions, I’m beside myself with anger. I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way. I meditate on your name all night, GOD, treasuring your revelation, O GOD. Still, I walk through a rain of derision because I live by your Word and counsel. * * * Because you have satisfied me, GOD, I promise to do everything you say. I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile, be gracious to me just as you promised. When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed. I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders. The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out— but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me. I get up in the middle of the night to thank you; your decisions are so right, so true—I can’t wait till morning! I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you, of those committed to living by your rules. Your love, GOD, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel. * * * Be good to your servant, GOD; be as good as your Word. Train me in good common sense; I’m thoroughly committed to living your way. Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place, but now I’m in step with your Word. You are good, and the source of good; train me in your goodness. The godless spread lies about me, but I focus my attention on what you are saying; They’re bland as a bucket of lard, while I dance to the tune of your revelation. My troubles turned out all for the best— they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine. * * * With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you. When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad. I can see now, GOD, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what’s true and right. Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight! just the way you promised. Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to. Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds; they tried to sell me a bill of goods, but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel. Let those who fear you turn to me for evidence of your wise guidance. And let me live whole and holy, soul and body, so I can always walk with my head held high. * * * I’m homesick—longing for your salvation; I’m waiting for your word of hope. My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise; how long must I wait for your comfort? There’s smoke in my eyes—they burn and water, but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post. How long do I have to put up with all this? How long till you haul my tormentors into court? The arrogant godless try to throw me off track, ignorant as they are of God and his ways. Everything you command is a sure thing, but they harass me with lies. Help! They’ve pushed and pushed—they never let up— but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel. In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word. * * * What you say goes, GOD, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it’s as relevant as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came. But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I’m all yours. I look high and low for your words of wisdom. The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me, but I’m only concerned with your plans for me. I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can’t contain your commands! * * * Oh, how I love all you’ve revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long. Your commands give me an edge on my enemies; they never become obsolete. I’ve even become smarter than my teachers since I’ve pondered and absorbed your counsel. I’ve become wiser than the wise old sages simply by doing what you tell me. I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil so I can spend all my time keeping your Word. I never make detours from the route you laid out; you gave me such good directions. Your words are so choice, so tasty; I prefer them to the best home cooking. With your instruction, I understand life; that’s why I hate false propaganda. * * * By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order. Everything’s falling apart on me, GOD; put me together again with your Word. Adorn me with your finest sayings, GOD; teach me your holy rules. My life is as close as my own hands, but I don’t forget what you have revealed. The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course. I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever— what a gift! And how happy it makes me! I concentrate on doing exactly what you say— I always have and always will. * * * I hate the two-faced, but I love your clear-cut revelation. You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me. Get out of my life, evildoers, so I can keep my God’s commands. Take my side as you promised; I’ll live then for sure. Don’t disappoint all my grand hopes. Stick with me and I’ll be all right; I’ll give total allegiance to your definitions of life. Expose all who drift away from your sayings; their casual idolatry is lethal. You reject earth’s wicked as so much rubbish; therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say. I shiver in awe before you; your decisions leave me speechless with reverence. * * * I stood up for justice and the right; don’t leave me to the mercy of my oppressors. Take the side of your servant, good God; don’t let the godless take advantage of me. I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you to keep your promise to set everything right. Let your love dictate how you deal with me; teach me from your textbook on life. I’m your servant—help me understand what that means, the inner meaning of your instructions. It’s time to act, GOD; they’ve made a shambles of your revelation! Yea-Saying God, I love what you command, I love it better than gold and gemstones; Yea-Saying God, I honor everything you tell me, I despise every deceitful detour. * * *

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. ¶Deal generously with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your Law. I am a stranger on the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul is crushed with longing For Your ordinances at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, the cursed, Who wander from Your commandments. Take disgrace and contempt away from me, For I comply with Your testimonies. Even though rulers sit and speak against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my advisers. ¶My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. I have told of my ways, and You have answered me; Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts, And I will meditate on Your wonders. My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word. Remove the false way from me, And graciously grant me Your Law. I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your judgments before me. I cling to Your testimonies; LORD, do not put me to shame! I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart. ¶Teach me the way of Your statutes, LORD, And I shall comply with it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may comply with Your Law And keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to dishonest gain. Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless, And revive me in Your ways. Establish Your word to Your servant As that which produces reverence for You. Take away my disgrace which I dread, For Your judgments are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me through Your righteousness. ¶May Your favor also come to me, LORD, Your salvation according to Your word; So that I will have an answer for one who taunts me, For I trust in Your word. And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I wait for Your judgments. So I will keep Your Law continually, Forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed. I will delight in Your commandments, Which I love. And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes. ¶Remember the word to Your servant, In which You have made me hope. This is my comfort in my misery, That Your word has revived me. The arrogant utterly deride me, Yet I do not turn aside from Your Law. I have remembered Your judgments from of old, LORD, And comfort myself. Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, Who abandon Your Law. Your statutes are my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. LORD, I remember Your name in the night, And keep Your Law. This has become mine, That I comply with Your precepts. ¶The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. I sought Your favor with all my heart; Be gracious to me according to Your word. I considered my ways And turned my feet to Your testimonies. I hurried and did not delay To keep Your commandments. The snares of the wicked have surrounded me, But I have not forgotten Your Law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You Because of Your righteous judgments. I am a companion to all those who fear You, And to those who keep Your precepts. The earth is full of Your goodness, LORD; Teach me Your statutes. ¶You have treated Your servant well, LORD, according to Your word. Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. You are good and You do good; Teach me Your statutes. The arrogant have forged a lie against me; With all my heart I will comply with Your precepts. Their heart is insensitive, like fat, But I delight in Your Law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, So that I may learn Your statutes. The Law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of gold and silver pieces. ¶Your hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, so that I may learn Your commandments. May those who fear You see me and be glad, Because I wait for Your word. I know, LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, And that You have afflicted me in faithfulness. May Your favor comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant. May Your compassion come to me so that I may live, For Your Law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame, because they lead me astray with a lie; But I shall meditate on Your precepts. May those who fear You turn to me, And those who know Your testimonies. May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, So that I will not be ashamed. ¶My soul languishes for Your salvation; I wait for Your word. My eyes fail with longing for Your word, While I say, “When will You comfort me?” Though I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget Your statutes. How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me? The arrogant have dug pits for me, People who are not in accord with Your Law. All Your commandments are faithful; They have persecuted me with a lie; help me! They almost destroyed me on earth, But as for me, I did not abandon Your precepts. Revive me according to Your faithfulness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. ¶Forever, LORD, Your word stands in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout generations; You established the earth, and it stands. They stand this day by Your ordinances, For all things are Your servants. If Your Law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my misery. I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me. I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts. The wicked wait for me to destroy me; I will diligently consider Your testimonies. I have seen a limit to all perfection; Your commandment is exceedingly broad. ¶How I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than those who are old, Because I have complied with Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, So that I may keep Your word. I have not turned aside from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. ¶Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, That I will keep Your righteous judgments. I am exceedingly afflicted; Revive me, LORD, according to Your word. Be pleased to accept the voluntary offerings of my mouth, LORD, And teach me Your judgments. My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your Law. The wicked have set a trap for me, Yet I have not wandered from Your precepts. I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, even to the end. ¶I hate those who are double-minded, But I love Your Law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I wait for Your word. Leave me, you evildoers, So that I may comply with the commandments of my God. Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Sustain me so that I may be safe, That I may have regard for Your statutes continually. You have rejected all those who stray from Your statutes, For their deceitfulness is useless. You have removed all the wicked of the earth like impurities; Therefore I love Your testimonies. My flesh trembles from the fear of You, And I am afraid of Your judgments. ¶I have done justice and righteousness; Do not leave me to my oppressors. Be a guarantor for Your servant for good; Do not let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation, And for Your righteous word. Deal with Your servant according to Your graciousness, And teach me Your statutes. I am Your servant; give me understanding, So that I may know Your testimonies. It is time for the LORD to act, For they have broken Your Law. Therefore I love Your commandments Above gold, yes, above pure gold.

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts And [thoughtfully] regard Your ways [the path of life established by Your precepts]. [Ps 104:34] I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. ¶Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word [treasuring it and being guided by it day by day]. [Ps 119:97-101] Open my eyes [to spiritual truth] so that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law. I am a stranger on the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. [Gen 47:9; 1 Chr 29:15; Ps 39:12; 2 Cor 5:6; Heb 11:13] My soul is crushed with longing For Your ordinances at all times. You rebuke the presumptuous and arrogant, the cursed ones, Who wander from Your commandments. Take reproach and contempt away from me, For I observe Your testimonies. Even though princes sit and talk to one another against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies also are my delight And my counselors. ¶My earthly life clings to the dust; Revive and refresh me according to Your word. [Ps 143:11] I have told of my ways, and You have answered me; Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts, So that I will meditate (focus my thoughts) on Your wonderful works. [Ps 145:5, 6] My soul dissolves because of grief; Renew and strengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word. Remove from me the way of falsehood and unfaithfulness, And graciously grant me Your law. I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your ordinances before me. I cling tightly to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame! I will run the way of Your commandments [with purpose], For You will give me a heart that is willing. ¶Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I will [steadfastly] observe it to the end. Give me understanding [a teachable heart and the ability to learn], that I may keep Your law; And observe it with all my heart. [Prov 2:6; James 1:5] Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies And not to dishonest gain and envy. [Ezek 33:31; Mark 7:21, 22; 1 Tim 6:10; Heb 13:5] Turn my eyes away from vanity [all those worldly, meaningless things that distract—let Your priorities be mine], And restore me [with renewed energy] in Your ways. Establish Your word and confirm Your promise to Your servant, As that which produces [awe-inspired] reverence for You. [Deut 10:12; Ps 96:9] Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your ordinances are good. I long for Your precepts; Renew me through Your righteousness. ¶May Your lovingkindness also come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your promise; So I will have an answer for the one who taunts me, For I trust [completely] in Your word [and its reliability]. And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I wait for Your ordinances. I will keep Your law continually, Forever and ever [writing Your precepts on my heart]. And I will walk at liberty, For I seek and deeply long for Your precepts. I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed. [Ps 138:1; Matt 10:18, 19; Acts 26:1, 2] For I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love. And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes. ¶Remember [always] the word and promise to Your servant, In which You have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me and given me life. [Rom 15:4] The arrogant utterly ridicule me, Yet I do not turn away from Your law. I have remembered [carefully] Your ancient ordinances, O LORD, And I have taken comfort. Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, Who reject Your law. Your statutes are my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. O LORD, I remember Your name in the night, And keep Your law. This has become mine [as the gift of Your grace], That I observe Your precepts [accepting them with loving obedience]. ¶The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. I sought Your favor with all my heart; Be merciful and gracious to me according to Your promise. I considered my ways And turned my feet to [follow and obey] Your testimonies. I hurried and did not delay To keep Your commandments. The cords of the wicked have encircled and ensnared me, But I have not forgotten Your law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You Because of Your righteous ordinances. I am a companion of all who [reverently] fear You, And of those who keep and honor Your precepts. The earth, O LORD, is full of Your lovingkindness and goodness; Teach me Your statutes. ¶You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your promise. Teach me good judgment (discernment) and knowledge, For I have believed and trusted and relied on Your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep and honor Your word [with loving obedience]. You are good and do good; Teach me Your statutes. The arrogant have forged a lie against me, But I will keep Your precepts with all my heart. Their heart is insensitive like fat [their minds are dull and brutal], But I delight in Your law. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. The law from Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of gold and silver pieces. ¶Your hands have made me and established me; Give me understanding and a teachable heart, that I may learn Your commandments. May those who [reverently] fear You see me and be glad, Because I wait for Your word. I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are fair, And that in faithfulness You have disciplined me. [Heb 12:10] O may Your lovingkindness and graciousness comfort me, According to Your word (promise) to Your servant. Let Your compassion come to me that I may live, For Your law is my delight. Let the arrogant be ashamed and humiliated, for they sabotage me with a lie; But I will meditate on Your precepts. May those who fear You [with submissive wonder] turn to me, Even those who have known Your testimonies. May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, So that I will not be ashamed. ¶My soul languishes and grows weak for Your salvation; I wait for Your word. My eyes fail [with longing, watching] for [the fulfillment of] Your promise, Saying, “When will You comfort me?” For I have become like a wineskin [blackened and shriveled] in the smoke [in which it hangs], Yet I do not forget Your statutes. How many are the days of Your servant [which he must endure]? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me? [Rev 6:10] The arrogant (godless) have dug pits for me, Men who do not conform to Your law. All Your commandments are faithful and trustworthy. They have persecuted me with a lie; help me [LORD]! They had almost destroyed me on earth, But as for me, I did not turn away from Your precepts. According to Your steadfast love refresh me and give me life, So that I may keep and obey the testimony of Your mouth. ¶Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven [standing firm and unchangeable]. [Ps 89:2; Matt 24:34, 35; 1 Pet 1:25] Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation; You have established the earth, and it stands [securely]. They continue this day according to Your ordinances, For all things [all parts of the universe] are Your servants. [Jer 33:25] If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my time of trouble. I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me and given me life. I am Yours, save me [as Your own]; For I have [diligently] sought Your precepts and required them [as my greatest need]. [Ps 42:1] The wicked wait for me to destroy me, But I will consider Your testimonies. I have seen that all [human] perfection has its limits [no matter how grand and perfect and noble]; Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity]. [Rom 3:10-19] ¶Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. [Ps 1:2] Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For Your words are always with me. I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers [because of Your word], For Your testimonies are my meditation. [2 Tim 3:15] I understand more than the aged [who have not observed Your precepts], Because I have observed and kept Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. [Prov 1:15] I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! [Ps 19:10; Prov 8:11] From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. ¶Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. [Prov 6:23] I have sworn [an oath] and have confirmed it, That I will keep Your righteous ordinances. [Neh 10:29] I am greatly afflicted; Renew and revive me [giving me life], O LORD, according to Your word. Accept and take pleasure in the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, And teach me Your ordinances. [Hos 14:2; Heb 13:15] My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I do not wander from Your precepts. I have taken Your testimonies as a heritage forever, For they are the joy of my heart. [Deut 33:4] I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, even to the end. ¶I hate those who are double-minded, But I love and treasure Your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I wait for Your word. [Ps 32:7; 91:1] Leave me, you evildoers, That I may keep the commandments of my God [honoring and obeying them]. [Ps 6:8; 139:19; Matt 7:23] Uphold me according to Your word [of promise], so that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope [in Your great goodness]. [Ps 25:2; Rom 5:5; 9:33; 10:11] Uphold me that I may be safe, That I may have regard for Your statutes continually. You have turned Your back on all those who wander from Your statutes, For their deceitfulness is useless. You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross [for they have no value]; Therefore I love Your testimonies. My flesh trembles in [reverent] fear of You, And I am afraid and in awe of Your judgments. ¶I have done justice and righteousness; Do not leave me to those who oppress me. Be the guarantee for Your servant for good [as Judah was the guarantee for Benjamin]; Do not let the arrogant oppress me. [Gen 43:9] My eyes fail [with longing, watching] for [the fulfillment of] Your salvation, And for [the fulfillment of] Your righteous word. Deal with Your servant according to Your [gracious] lovingkindness, And teach me Your statutes. I am Your servant; give me understanding [the ability to learn and a teachable heart] That I may know Your testimonies. It is time for the LORD to act; They have broken Your law. Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, Yes, more than refined gold.