Psalms 119
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk in the law of Yahweh.
Aleph Happy are those who do what is right, who follow what the Lord says.
2 Blessed are they who keep his solemn commands, who seek him with all their heart.
Happy are those who keep his commandments, who sincerely want to follow him.
3 They do no wrong; they walk in his ways.
They don't do what's wrong; they walk in his ways.
4 You have commanded us to keep your instructions so that we should carefully observe them.
You have ordered us to follow your instructions carefully.
5 Oh, that I would be firmly established in the observance of your statutes!
May I be reliable in the way I keep your rules!
6 Then I would not be put to shame when I think of all your commandments.
Then I won't be ashamed when I compare what I do to what you have said.
7 I will give thanks to you with an upright heart when I learn your righteous decrees.
I will praise you sincerely as I learn from you the right way to live.
8 I will observe your statutes; do not leave me alone.
I will observe your laws. Please never give up on me! Beth
9 How can a young person keep his path pure? By obeying your word.
How does a young person remain pure? By following what you say.
10 With my whole heart I seek you; Do not let me stray from your commandments.
I worship you sincerely; please don't let me stray from your commands.
11 I have stored up your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you.
I keep what you say in mind so I won't sin against you.
12 Blessed you are, Yahweh; teach me your statutes.
Thank you Lord! Teach me what to do!
13 With my mouth I have declared all the righteous decrees that you have revealed.
I repeat out loud your instructions.
14 I rejoice in the way of your covenant decrees more than in all riches.
I enjoy your laws more than having plenty of money.
15 I will meditate on your instructions and pay attention to your ways.
I will think deeply about your teachings, and reflect on your ways.
16 I delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
I will take pleasure in following your directions; I won't forget what you say. Gimel
17 Be kind to your servant so that I may live and keep your word.
Be kind to your servant so I can live and follow what you teach.
18 Open my eyes so that I may see marvelous things in your law.
Open my eyes so I may discover wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a foreigner in the land; do not hide your commandments from me.
I'm only here for a short time—don't let me miss what you have to say.
20 My desires are crushed by the longing to know your righteous decrees at all times.
I'm always so keen to know your instructions.
21 You rebuke the proud, who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
You reprimand those who are arrogant; those who don't follow your commandments are cursed.
22 Spare me from disgrace and humiliation, for I have obeyed your covenant decrees.
Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
23 Though rulers plot and slander me, your servant meditates on your statutes.
Even leaders sit down together and slander me, but I, your servant, will think seriously about your instructions.
24 Your covenant decrees are my delight, and they are my counselors.
Your laws make me happy—they are my wise advisors.
25 My life clings to the dust! Give me life by your word.
I'm dying here, lying in the dust. Keep me alive as you promised.
26 I told you my ways, and you answered me; teach me your statutes.
I explained my situation to you, and you answered me. Teach me to follow your directions.
27 Make me understand the ways of your instructions, so that I can meditate on your wondrous teachings.
Help me understand what your laws mean, and I will meditate on the wonderful things you do.
28 I am overwhelmed with grief! Strengthen me by your word.
I'm weeping because I'm so sad; please encourage me as you promised.
29 Turn from me the path of deceit; graciously teach me your law.
Stop me fooling myself; kindly teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have always kept your righteous decrees before me.
I have chosen to trust in you. I always pay attention to what you say.
31 I cling to your covenant decrees; Yahweh, do not let me be shamed.
I hold on to your teachings, Lord. Don't let me be ridiculed.
32 I will run in the path of your commandments, for you enlarge my heart to do so.
I run to follow your commands, for you have expanded my mind! He
33 Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes, and I will keep them to the end.
Teach me the meaning of your laws, and I will always keep them.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law; I will observe it with all my heart.
Help me to understand so I can be totally committed to doing what you want.
35 Guide me in the path of your commandments, for I delight to walk in it.
Lead me to follow your commands, for this is what I love to do
36 Direct my heart toward your covenant decrees and away from unrighteous gain.
Help me to concentrate on what you say rather than on making a profit.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; revive me in your ways.
Don't let me focus on things that are worthless. Help me live in your ways.
38 Carry out for your servant your promise that you made to those who honor you.
Please keep your promise to me, your servant, that you made to those who worship you.
39 Take away the insults I dread, for your righteous judgments are good.
Take away the shame I dread, for your law is good.
40 See, I have longed for your instructions; revive me in your righteousness.
I always want to do what you say. Please let me live, for you do what is right. Waw
41 Yahweh, give me your unfailing love— your salvation, according to your promise;
Lord, please love me with your trustworthy love; please give me the salvation you promised.
42 then I will have a reply for the one who mocks me, for I trust in your word.
Then I can reply to those who mock me, for I trust what you say.
43 Do not take the word of truth from my mouth, for my hope is in your righteous decrees.
Don't ever prevent me from being able to speak your words of truth, for I place my complete confidence in your just judgments.
44 I will observe your law continually, forever and ever.
I will continue to follow your teachings, forever and ever.
45 I will walk securely, for I seek your instructions.
I shall live in freedom, for I have committed myself to obeying you.
46 I will speak of your solemn commands before kings and will not be ashamed.
I will instruct kings about your laws—I won't be embarrassed.
47 I delight in your commandments, which I love dearly.
I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!
48 I will lift up my hands to your commandments, which I love; I will meditate on your statutes.
I lift up my hands in prayer, honoring your commandments. I will think deeply about all you say. Zayin
49 Call to mind your promise to your servant because you have given me hope.
Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: that your promise has kept me alive.
This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!
51 The proud have scoffed at me, yet I have not turned away from your law.
Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.
52 I have thought about your righteous decrees from ancient times, Yahweh, and I comfort myself.
I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.
53 Hot anger has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject your law.
I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I temporarily live.
Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.
55 I think about your name during the night, Yahweh, and I keep your law.
At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.
56 This has been my practice because I have observed your instructions.
For this is how I live my life—by following your principles. Heth
57 Yahweh is my portion; I have determined to observe your words.
Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.
58 I earnestly request your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me, as your word promised.
My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!
59 I examined my ways and turned my feet to your covenant decrees.
As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.
60 I hurry and do not delay to keep your commandments.
I hurry to keep your commandments without delay
61 The cords of the wicked have ensnared me; I have not forgotten your law.
Even though wicked people try to tie me up, I won't forget your instructions.
62 At midnight I rise to give thanks to you because of your righteous decrees.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.
63 I am a companion of all who honor you, to all who observe your instructions.
I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.
64 The earth, Yahweh, is full of your covenant faithfulness; teach me your statutes.
Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do. Teth
65 You have done good to your servant, Yahweh, by means of your word.
Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.
66 Teach me proper discernment and understanding, for I have believed in your commandments.
Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I observe your word.
Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.
68 You are good, and you are one who does good; teach me your statutes.
Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.
69 The arrogant have smeared me with lies, but I keep your instructions with my whole heart.
Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.
70 Their hearts are hardened, but I delight in your law.
They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.
71 It is good for me that I have suffered so that I would learn your statutes.
The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.
72 Instruction from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
What you tell me to do is worth more to me than much gold and silver. Yodh
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding so that I may learn your commandments.
You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.
74 Those who honor you will be glad when they see me because I find hope in your word.
May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.
75 I know, Yahweh, that your decrees are just, and that in faithfulness you afflicted me.
Lord, I know that what you decide is right; you brought me down in order to help me because you are trustworthy.
76 Let your covenant faithfulness comfort me, as you promised your servant.
May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.
77 Show me compassion so that I may live, for your law is my delight.
Be compassionate to me so I may live, for I love your teachings.
78 Let the proud be put to shame, for they have slandered me; but I will meditate on your instructions.
Bring down those proud people who wronged me with their lies. I will spend time thinking about your instructions.
79 May those who honor you turn to me, those who know your covenant decrees.
Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.
80 May my heart be blameless with respect to your statutes so that I may not be put to shame.
May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed. Kaph
81 I faint with longing that you might rescue me! I hope in your word.
I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.
82 My eyes long to see your promise; when will you comfort me?
I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke; I do not forget your statutes.
I've become like a wineskin that's been shriveled up by smoke, but I have not forgotten to do as you say.
84 How long must your servant endure this; when will you judge those who persecute me?
How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?
85 The proud have dug pits for me, defying your law.
These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.
86 All your commandments are reliable; those people persecute me wrongfully; help me.
All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!
87 They have almost made an end to me on earth, but I do not reject your instructions.
They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.
88 By your steadfast love, keep me alive, so that I may obey your commands.
Since you love me with your trustworthy love, don't let me die, so I can go on following the instructions you have given. Lamedh
89 Yahweh, your word stands forever; your word is established firmly in heaven.
Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness lasts for all generations; you have established the earth, and it remains.
Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.
91 All things continue to this day, just as you said in your righteous decrees, for all things are your servants.
Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.
92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering would have killed me.
93 I will never forget your instructions, for through them you have kept me alive.
I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.
94 I am yours; save me, for I seek your instructions.
I belong to you, so please save me! I am committed to following your rules.
95 The wicked prepare to destroy me, but I will seek to understand your covenant decrees.
Even though wicked people are waiting to ambush and kill me, I will focus my mind on what you say.
96 I have seen that everything has its limits, but your commandments are broad, beyond limits.
I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless. Mem
97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.
I really love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for I'm always thinking about your instructions.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for I meditate on your covenant decrees.
In fact I have a better insight than all of my teachers because I spend time concentrating on what you say.
100 I understand more than those older than I am; this is because I have kept your instructions.
I even understand more than the elders because I follow your directions.
101 I have kept my feet back from every evil path so that I might observe your word.
I avoid any course of action that leads to evil, because I want to remain faithful to your word.
102 I have not turned aside from your righteous decrees, for you have instructed me.
I have not disregarded your instructions because you yourself taught me what to do.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Your words taste so sweet to me! They are sweeter than honey to my mouth.
104 Through your instructions I gain discernment; therefore I hate every false way.
I gain understanding from what you say, so I hate any way of life that's just a lie. Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Your word is a lamp that shows me where to walk, it's a light for my path.
106 I have sworn and have confirmed it, that I will observe your righteous decrees.
I've made a promise, and I will keep it: I will keep your rules that are always right!
107 I am very afflicted; keep me alive, Yahweh, as you have promised in your word.
Lord, I'm really suffering! Please let me live, as you have promised.
108 Yahweh, please accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, and teach me your righteous decrees.
Lord, please accept my offerings of praise that I freely give you. Teach me your rules.
109 My life is always in my hand, yet I do not forget your law.
My life is always at risk, but I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your instructions.
Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I will not stray from your commandments.
111 I claim your covenant decrees as my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
I will always hold on to what you say for your words make me really happy,
112 My heart is set on obeying your statutes forever to the very end.
I have made up my mind to follow your instructions to the very end. Samekh
113 I hate those who have a double mind, but I love your law.
I hate people who are two-faced, but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.
You keep me safe and you defend me, your word gives me reason to hope.
115 Get away from me, you evil doers, so that I may observe the commandments of my God.
Leave me alone, you evil people, and let me keep the commandments of my God.
116 Sustain me by your word so that I may live and not be ashamed of my hope.
Support me, Lord, as you promised, so I can live. Don't let my hope turn into discouragement.
117 Support me, and I will be safe; I will always meditate on your statutes.
Support me, so I can be saved and always pay attention to your instructions.
118 You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for those people are deceptive and unreliable.
You reject all those who don't follow your instructions—they're fooling themselves by living a lie.
119 You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag; therefore I love your solemn commands.
You treat the wicked people on earth as something worthless to be discarded; therefore I love your laws.
120 My body trembles in fear of you, and I am afraid of your righteous decrees.
I have goose bumps thinking of you—I'm in awe! I'm scared of your judgments! Ayin
121 I do what is just and right; do not abandon me to my oppressors.
I have done what's fair and right, so please don't abandon me to my enemies.
122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant; do not let the proud oppress me.
Please promise you'll take care of me, your servant. Don't let these arrogant people mistreat me.
123 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your salvation and for your righteous word.
I strain my eyes looking for your salvation, watching for you to fulfill your promise to make everything good.
124 Show your servant your covenant faithfulness, and teach me your statutes.
Please treat me, your servant, according to your trustworthy love. Teach me what you want me to do.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding so that I may know your covenant decrees.
I am your servant. Please give me discernment so I can understand your instructions.
126 It is time for Yahweh to act, for people have broken your law.
Lord, it's time for you to act, for these people have broken your laws.
127 Truly I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold.
This is why I love your commandments more than gold, more than the finest gold.
128 Therefore I carefully follow all your instructions, and I hate every path of falsehood.
All of your rules are right in every way, and so I hate any way of life that's just a lie. Pe
129 Your rules are wonderful, that is why I obey them.
Your laws are truly wonderful—that's why I keep them!
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the untrained.
Studying your words brings light so that even the uneducated can understand.
131 I open my mouth and pant, for I long for your commandments.
With keen desire I long for what you have to say.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do for those who love your name.
Please pay attention to me and be kind to me, as you are with those who love you.
133 Direct my footsteps by your word; do not let any sin rule me.
Tell me by your word the way I should go, and don't let any kind of evil control me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression so that I may observe your instructions.
Save me from cruel people so I can follow your instructions.
135 Let your face shine on your servant, and teach me your statutes.
Please look favorably on me, your servant, teach me what I should do.
136 Streams of tears run down from my eyes because people do not observe your law.
My tears stream down as I weep for those who don't keep your law. Tsadhe
137 You are righteous, Yahweh, and your decrees are fair.
Lord, you are right, and what you decide is just!
138 You have given your covenant decrees righteously and faithfully.
You have given your instructions which are fair and totally trustworthy.
139 Anger has destroyed me because my adversaries forget your words.
My devotion is burning me up inside because my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your word has been tested very much, and your servant loves it.
Your promises have been proved true, and that's why I, your servant, love them.
141 I am insignificant and despised, yet I do not forget your instructions.
I may be unimportant and looked down on, but I don't forget your commandments.
142 Your justice is forever right, and your law is trustworthy.
Your goodness and justice last forever; and your law is the truth.
143 Though distress and anguish have found me, your commandments are still my delight.
When I have problems and sadness, your commands make me happy.
144 Your covenant decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
Your laws are always right; help me to understand what they mean so I can live. Qoph
145 I cried out with my whole heart, “Answer me, Yahweh, I will keep your statutes.
My whole being is crying out! Lord, please answer me! I will follow your instructions.
146 I call to you; save me, and I will observe your covenant decrees.”
I pray to you, asking, “Please save me!” so I can do what you say.
147 I rise before the dawn of the morning and cry for help. I hope in your words.
I get up before dawn, and call out to you for help and put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes are open before the night watches change so that I might meditate on your word.
During the night I stay awake, meditating on your word.
149 Hear my voice in your covenant faithfulness; keep me alive, Yahweh, as you have promised in your righteous decrees.
Listen to what I have to say, Lord, because of your trustworthy love. Keep me alive, Lord, because you always do what's right.
150 Those who are persecuting me are coming closer to me, but they are far from your law.
Evil people come running to attack me—they totally disregard your law.
151 You are near, Yahweh, and all your commandments are trustworthy.
But you, Lord, are close beside me; all your commandments are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your covenant decrees that you had set them in place forever.
Long ago I realized that your laws will last forever. Resh
153 Look on my affliction and help me, for I do not forget your law.
Please look at my suffering and save me! I have not forgotten your teachings.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me; keep me, as you have promised in your word.
Plead my case, and save me as you promised! Let me live!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not love your statutes.
Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.
156 Great are your merciful actions, Yahweh; keep me alive, as you always do.
Lord, your mercy is so great! Because you are always fair, please let me live!
157 My persecutors and my foes are many, yet I have not turned from your covenant decrees.
Despite the many people who persecute and mistreat me, I have not strayed from your laws.
158 I view the treacherous with disgust because they do not keep your word.
Watching these unfaithful people disgusts me because they take no notice of your word.
159 See how I love your instructions; keep me alive, Yahweh, as you have promised by your covenant faithfulness.
See how much I love your commandments, Lord. Please let me live because of your trustworthy love.
160 The essence of your word is truth; every one of your righteous decrees lasts forever.
Your word can be summed up in one word: truth! All of your just laws will last forever. Shin
161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your word.
Leaders persecute me for no reason, but I am in awe only of your word.
162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great plunder.
Your word makes me so happy—I'm like someone who discovers immense treasure.
163 I hate and despise falsehood, but I love your law.
I hate and detest lies, but I love your teachings.
164 Seven times a day I praise you because of your righteous decrees.
I praise you seven times a day because your laws are good.
165 Great peace they have, those who love your law; nothing makes them stumble.
Those who love your teachings have wonderful peace and nothing trips them up.
166 I hope for your salvation, Yahweh, and I obey your commandments.
Lord, I look forward to your salvation. I keep your commandments.
167 I observe your solemn commands, and I love them greatly.
I obey your laws and love them very much.
168 I keep your instructions and your solemn commands, for you are aware of everything I do.
I keep your commandments and laws because you see everything I do. Taw
169 Listen to my cry for help, Yahweh; give me understanding into your word.
Lord, please listen to my sad cry; help me to understand, as you promised.
170 May my plea come before you; help me, as you have promised in your word.
Please hear what I have to say to you, and save me, as you promised.
171 May my lips pour out praise, for you teach me your statutes.
Let me pour out my words of praise, for you teach me what to do.
172 Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
I will sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
173 May your hand help me, for I have chosen your instructions.
Please be ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your instructions.
174 I long for your rescue, Yahweh, and your law is my delight.
I long for your salvation, Lord; your teachings make me happy.
175 May I live and praise you, and may your righteous decrees help me.
May I live my life in praise to you, and may your instructions help me.
176 I have wandered off like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
I have wandered away like a lost sheep, so please come looking for me, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
