Psalms 119
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk in the law of Yahweh.
(Yahweh is pleased with/Happy are) those about whom no one can say truthfully that they have done things that are wrong, those who always obey the laws of Yahweh.
2 Blessed are they who keep his solemn commands, who seek him with all their heart.
Yahweh is pleased with those who (obey his requirements/do what he has instructed them to do), those who request him with their entire inner beings to help them [to do that].
3 They do no wrong; they walk in his ways.
They do not do things that are wrong; they behave like Yahweh wants them to.
4 You have commanded us to keep your instructions so that we should carefully observe them.
Yahweh, you have given [us] (your principles of behavior/all the things that you have declared that we should do), [and you told us] to obey them carefully.
5 Oh, that I would be firmly established in the observance of your statutes!
I desire that I will faithfully/always obey all (your statutes/that you have said that [we] should do).
6 Then I would not be put to shame when I think of all your commandments.
If I continually (heed/pay attention to) all (your commands/that you have commanded), I will not be disgraced/ashamed.
7 I will give thanks to you with an upright heart when I learn your righteous decrees.
When I learn [all of] (your regulations/the rules that you have given [to us)], I will praise you with a pure inner being [IDM].
8 I will observe your statutes; do not leave me alone.
I will obey all (your statutes/that you have decreed that [we] should do); do not desert/abandon me!
9 How can a young person keep his path pure? By obeying your word.
[I know] [RHQ] how a youth can (keep his life pure/avoid sinning); it is by obeying what you have told us to do.
10 With my whole heart I seek you; Do not let me stray from your commandments.
I try to serve you with my entire inner being; do not allow me to (wander away from obeying/disobey) (your commands/what you have commanded).
11 I have stored up your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you.
I have (memorized/stored in my mind) [many of] (your words/what you have promised) in order that I will not sin against you.
12 Blessed you are, Yahweh; teach me your statutes.
Yahweh, I praise you; teach me (your statutes/what you have declared).
13 With my mouth I have declared all the righteous decrees that you have revealed.
I [MTY] tell others (the regulations/the rules that you have given [to us)].
14 I rejoice in the way of your covenant decrees more than in all riches.
I like to obey (your requirements/what you have instructed [us to do)]; I enjoy that more than being very rich.
15 I will meditate on your instructions and pay attention to your ways.
I will (study/think about) (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and I will pay attention to what you have showed [me].
16 I delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
I will be happy [to obey] (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do), and I will not forget your words.
17 Be kind to your servant so that I may live and keep your word.
Do good things for me, who serve you, in order that I may continue to live and obey (your words/what you have told us to do) during all my life.
18 Open my eyes so that I may see marvelous things in your law.
Open my mind in order that I may know the wonderful things that [are written] in your laws.
19 I am a foreigner in the land; do not hide your commandments from me.
I am living [here] on the earth for only a short time; (do not prevent me from [understanding]/help me to understand) [LIT] (your commands/what you have commanded).
20 My desires are crushed by the longing to know your righteous decrees at all times.
In my inner being I strongly desire to know (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) all the time.
21 You rebuke the proud, who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
You rebuke those who are proud; cursed are those who disobey (your commands/what you have commanded).
22 Spare me from disgrace and humiliation, for I have obeyed your covenant decrees.
Do not allow them to continue to insult and scorn me; [I request this] because I have obeyed what you have instructed us to do.
23 Though rulers plot and slander me, your servant meditates on your statutes.
Rulers gather together and plan ways to harm me, but I will (meditate on/study) (your statutes/what you have decreed).
24 Your covenant decrees are my delight, and they are my counselors.
I am delighted with (your requirements/what you have instructed [us to do)]; [it is as though] they are my advisors.
25 My life clings to the dust! Give me life by your word.
[I think that] I will soon die [IDM]; revive/heal me, as you have told me that you would.
26 I told you my ways, and you answered me; teach me your statutes.
When I told you about my behavior, you answered me; teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
27 Make me understand the ways of your instructions, so that I can meditate on your wondrous teachings.
Help me to understand (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and [then] I will (meditate on/think about) the wonderful things that you [have done].
28 I am overwhelmed with grief! Strengthen me by your word.
I am very sad/sorrowful [IDM], with the result that I have no strength; enable me to be strong [again], like you promised me that you would do.
29 Turn from me the path of deceit; graciously teach me your law.
Prevent me from doing what is wrong, and be kind to me by teaching me your laws.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have always kept your righteous decrees before me.
I have decided that I will faithfully/always [obey you]; I have (paid attention to/heeded) (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us).
31 I cling to your covenant decrees; Yahweh, do not let me be shamed.
Yahweh, I try to carefully hold fast to what you have instructed [us to do]; do not [abandon me, with the result that] I would become disgraced.
32 I will run in the path of your commandments, for you enlarge my heart to do so.
I will eagerly obey [IDM] (your commands/what you have commanded), because you have enabled me to understand more [what you want me to do].
33 Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes, and I will keep them to the end.
Yahweh, teach me the meaning of (your statutes/the things that you have decreed that we should do), and [then] I will obey them, every one of them.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law; I will observe it with all my heart.
Help me to understand your laws in order that I may obey them with all my inner being.
35 Guide me in the path of your commandments, for I delight to walk in it.
I am happy with (your commands/what you have commanded), so (lead me along the paths/enable me to walk on the road) that you [have chosen for me].
36 Direct my heart toward your covenant decrees and away from unrighteous gain.
Cause me to want to obey your rules and not to want to become rich.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; revive me in your ways.
Do not allow me to look at things that are worthless, and allow me to continue to live, like you promised that you would do.
38 Carry out for your servant your promise that you made to those who honor you.
[Because] I serve you, do what you promised to do for me, which is what you also promise to do for [all] those who revere you.
39 Take away the insults I dread, for your righteous judgments are good.
[People] insult me; protect me from those insults, [because] I hate them. The (regulations/rules that you have given [to us]) are [very] good!
40 See, I have longed for your instructions; revive me in your righteousness.
I very much desire [to obey] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do); because you are righteous, allow me to continue to live (OR, be good to me).
41 Yahweh, give me your unfailing love— your salvation, according to your promise;
Yahweh, show me that you faithfully love me, and rescue/save me, like you have said/promised that you would.
42 then I will have a reply for the one who mocks me, for I trust in your word.
After you do that, I will be able to reply to those who insult me, because I trust in (your word/what you have promised that you would do).
43 Do not take the word of truth from my mouth, for my hope is in your righteous decrees.
Always enable me to [LIT] speak your truth, because I have confidence in (your regulations/the rules that you have given us).
44 I will observe your law continually, forever and ever.
I will always obey your laws, forever.
45 I will walk securely, for I seek your instructions.
I will be free [from (affliction/my enemies’ attacks)], because I have tried [to obey] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
46 I will speak of your solemn commands before kings and will not be ashamed.
I will tell to kings (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do); and [because I did not abandon you], those kings will not cause me to be ashamed.
47 I delight in your commandments, which I love dearly.
I am delighted to [obey] (your commands/what you have commanded), and I love them.
48 I will lift up my hands to your commandments, which I love; I will meditate on your statutes.
I respect/revere [IDM] (your commands/what you have commanded), and I love them, and I will (meditate on/think about) (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
49 Call to mind your promise to your servant because you have given me hope.
Do not forget what you said/promised to do for me, who serve you, [because] what you have said has caused me to confidently expect [good things from you].
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: that your promise has kept me alive.
When I have been suffering, you comforted me; you did what you promised me, and that [PRS] revived me.
51 The proud have scoffed at me, yet I have not turned away from your law.
Proud people are always making fun of me, but I do not (turn away from/stop) [obeying] your laws.
52 I have thought about your righteous decrees from ancient times, Yahweh, and I comfort myself.
Yahweh, when I think about (your regulations/the rules) that you gave to us long ago, I am comforted/encouraged.
53 Hot anger has taken hold of me because of the wicked who reject your law.
When [I see that] wicked people have disregarded your laws, I become very angry.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I temporarily live.
While I have been living here for a short time on the earth, I have written songs about (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
55 I think about your name during the night, Yahweh, and I keep your law.
Yahweh, during the night I think about you [MTY], and [so] I obey your laws.
56 This has been my practice because I have observed your instructions.
What I have always done is to obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
57 Yahweh is my portion; I have determined to observe your words.
Yahweh, you are the one whom I have chosen, and I promise to (obey your words/do what you have told us to do).
58 I earnestly request your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me, as your word promised.
With all my inner being I plead with you to be good to me; be kind to me, like you promised/said that you would do.
59 I examined my ways and turned my feet to your covenant decrees.
I have thought about my behavior, and I [have decided to] return to [obeying] (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
60 I hurry and do not delay to keep your commandments.
I hurry to obey (your commands/what you have commanded); I do not delay [at all].
61 The cords of the wicked have ensnared me; I have not forgotten your law.
Wicked people have [tried to] seize me, [like a hunter tries to catch an animal] with a net [MET], but I do not forget your laws.
62 At midnight I rise to give thanks to you because of your righteous decrees.
In the middle of the night I wake up, and I praise you for (your commands/the rules that you have given us to do); they are fair/just.
63 I am a companion of all who honor you, to all who observe your instructions.
I am a friend of all those who revere you, those who obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
64 The earth, Yahweh, is full of your covenant faithfulness; teach me your statutes.
Yahweh, you faithfully/always love [people] all over the earth; teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
65 You have done good to your servant, Yahweh, by means of your word.
Yahweh, you have done good things for me, like you promised/said that you would do.
66 Teach me proper discernment and understanding, for I have believed in your commandments.
Teach me to think carefully before I decide what to do, and [teach me other things that I need to] know, because I believe [that it is good for us to obey] (your commands/what you have commanded).
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I observe your word.
Before you afflicted/punished me, I did things that were wrong, but now I obey (your words/what you have told us to do).
68 You are good, and you are one who does good; teach me your statutes.
You are [very] good, and what you do is good; teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
69 The arrogant have smeared me with lies, but I keep your instructions with my whole heart.
Proud people have told many lies about me, but [the truth is that] with all my inner being I obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
70 Their hearts are hardened, but I delight in your law.
Those proud people (are stupid/do not understand your laws) [IDM], but [as for me], I am delighted with your laws.
71 It is good for me that I have suffered so that I would learn your statutes.
It was good for me that [you] afflicted/punished me, because the result was that I learned (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
72 Instruction from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
The laws that you [MTY] gave/told [to us] are [worth] more to me than gold, more than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding so that I may learn your commandments.
You created me and formed my body (OR, kept me safe); help me to be wise in order that I may learn (your commands/what you have commanded).
74 Those who honor you will be glad when they see me because I find hope in your word.
Those who have an awesome respect for you will see [what you have done for] me, and they will rejoice, because [they will see that] I have trusted in (your words/what you told us).
75 I know, Yahweh, that your decrees are just, and that in faithfulness you afflicted me.
Yahweh, I know that (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) are right/fair and that you have afflicted/punished me because you faithfully do [what you have promised].
76 Let your covenant faithfulness comfort me, as you promised your servant.
Cause me to be comforted/encouraged by [knowing that] you faithfully love [me], like you said to me that you would do.
77 Show me compassion so that I may live, for your law is my delight.
Be merciful to me in order that I may [continue to] live, because I am delighted with your laws.
78 Let the proud be put to shame, for they have slandered me; but I will meditate on your instructions.
Cause the proud people who falsely accuse me to be ashamed, [but] as for me, I will [continue] (meditating on/thinking about) (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
79 May those who honor you turn to me, those who know your covenant decrees.
Cause those who revere you to come [back] to me in order that they may (OR, specifically, those who) know (your requirements/what you have instructed [us to do]).
80 May my heart be blameless with respect to your statutes so that I may not be put to shame.
Enable me to perfectly [obey] (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do) in order that I may not be ashamed [because of not doing that].
81 I faint with longing that you might rescue me! I hope in your word.
I am very tired/exhausted while I wait for you to save [me from my enemies]; [but] I confidently expect that you will tell [me what you will do].
82 My eyes long to see your promise; when will you comfort me?
My eyes are tired from waiting a long time for you to do what you promised/said that you would do, and I ask, “When will you help/encourage me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke; I do not forget your statutes.
I have become [as useless as] [MET] a wineskin that is [shriveled from hanging a long time] in the smoke [inside a house], but I have not forgotten (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
84 How long must your servant endure this; when will you judge those who persecute me?
How long must I wait? When will you punish those who (persecute/cause trouble for) me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me, defying your law.
[It is as though] proud people have dug deep pits for me [to fall into], people who do not obey your laws.
86 All your commandments are reliable; those people persecute me wrongfully; help me.
All (your commands are/what you have commanded is) trustworthy; [but] people are (persecuting/causing trouble for) me by telling lies [about me, so please] help me!
87 They have almost made an end to me on earth, but I do not reject your instructions.
Those people have almost killed me, but I have not stopped [obeying] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
88 By your steadfast love, keep me alive, so that I may obey your commands.
Because you faithfully love [me], allow me [to continue] to live in order that I may [continue to] obey (your rules/what you have instructed [us to do]).
89 Yahweh, your word stands forever; your word is established firmly in heaven.
Yahweh, your words will last forever; they will last as long as heaven lasts.
90 Your faithfulness lasts for all generations; you have established the earth, and it remains.
You will faithfully [continue doing] ([for people who are not yet born/in every generation]) what you have (promised/said that you would do); you have put the earth in its place, and it remains firmly [there].
91 All things continue to this day, just as you said in your righteous decrees, for all things are your servants.
To this day, [all things on the earth] remain because you decided that they should remain; everything [on the earth] serves you.
92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
If I had not been delighted [in obeying] your laws, I would have died because of what I was suffering.
93 I will never forget your instructions, for through them you have kept me alive.
I will never forget (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), because as a result of [my obeying them] you have enabled me to [continue to] live.
94 I am yours; save me, for I seek your instructions.
I belong to you; save/rescue me [from my enemies], because I have tried to obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
95 The wicked prepare to destroy me, but I will seek to understand your covenant decrees.
Wicked [men] are waiting to kill me, but I [will] think about what you have instructed [us to do].
96 I have seen that everything has its limits, but your commandments are broad, beyond limits.
I have learned that there is a limit/end for everything, but what you command (has no limits/never ends).
97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.
I love your laws very much. I (meditate on/think about) them all during the day.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.
Because I know (your commands/what you have commanded), and because I think about them all the time, I have become wiser than my enemies.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for I meditate on your covenant decrees.
I understand more than my teachers do, because I (meditate on/think about) (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
100 I understand more than those older than I am; this is because I have kept your instructions.
I understand more than [many] old people do, because I obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
101 I have kept my feet back from every evil path so that I might observe your word.
I have avoided all evil behavior in order that I may obey (your words/what you have told us to do).
102 I have not turned aside from your righteous decrees, for you have instructed me.
I have not (turned away from/quit) [obeying] (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us), because you have taught me [while I have studied them].
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
[When I read] your words, they are like [MET] sweet things that I taste/eat, [yes], they are even sweeter than honey.
104 Through your instructions I gain discernment; therefore I hate every false way.
Because [I have learned] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), I am able to understand [many things]; therefore, I hate all evil things [that some people do].
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Your words are [like] [MET] a lamp to guide me; they are [like] a light [MET] to show me the path [that I should walk on].
106 I have sworn and have confirmed it, that I will observe your righteous decrees.
I have solemnly promised, and I am solemnly promising it again, that I will [always] obey your (regulations/rules that you have given to us), and they are [all] fair/just.
107 I am very afflicted; keep me alive, Yahweh, as you have promised in your word.
Yahweh, I am suffering very much; cause me to be strong/healthy [again], as you have promised to do.
108 Yahweh, please accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, and teach me your righteous decrees.
Yahweh, when I thank you while I pray, it is [like] [MET] a sacrifice to you; [please] accept it, and teach me your (regulations/rules that you have given to us).
109 My life is always in my hand, yet I do not forget your law.
[My enemies are] often trying to kill me [IDM], but I do not forget your laws.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your instructions.
Wicked [people] have tried to seize me [like a hunter tries to catch an animal] with a trap [MET], but I have not disobeyed (your principles of behavior/what you declared that we should do).
111 I claim your covenant decrees as my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
(Your requirements/What you have instructed us to do) are my possession forever; because of them [PRS], I am joyful.
112 My heart is set on obeying your statutes forever to the very end.
I (have decided/am determined) [IDM] to obey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do) until the day that I die [MTY].
113 I hate those who have a double mind, but I love your law.
I hate people who are [only] partly committed to you, but I love your laws.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.
You are [like] a place where I can hide [from my enemies], and you are [like] a shield [MET] [behind which I am protected from them], and I trust in your promises.
115 Get away from me, you evil doers, so that I may observe the commandments of my God.
You evil people, stay away from me in order than I may obey (my God’s commands/what my God has commanded)!
116 Sustain me by your word so that I may live and not be ashamed of my hope.
Enable me to be strong, as you promised/said that you would do, in order that I may [continue to] live. I am confidently expecting [that you will restore me]; (do not disappoint me/do not allow me to be disappointed).
117 Support me, and I will be safe; I will always meditate on your statutes.
Hold me up, in order that I will be safe and always (pay attention to/heed) (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
118 You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for those people are deceptive and unreliable.
You reject all those who disobey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do); but what they deceitfully plan to do will be (useless/in vain).
119 You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag; therefore I love your solemn commands.
You get rid of all the wicked [people] on the earth like [SIM] [people throw away] trash; therefore I love what you have instructed us to do.
120 My body trembles in fear of you, and I am afraid of your righteous decrees.
I [SYN] tremble because I am afraid of you; I am afraid [because you punish those who do not obey] (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us).
121 I do what is just and right; do not abandon me to my oppressors.
[But] I have done what is right and fair/just; [so] do not allow people to oppress/mistreat me.
122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant; do not let the proud oppress me.
Promise me that you will do good things for me and do not allow proud [people] to oppress me.
123 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your salvation and for your righteous word.
My eyes are tired from waiting a long time for you to rescue [me], for you to save [me] like you promised/said that you would.
124 Show your servant your covenant faithfulness, and teach me your statutes.
Do something for me to show that you faithfully love [me], and teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that we should do).
125 I am your servant; give me understanding so that I may know your covenant decrees.
I am one who serves you; enable me to understand [what you want me to know] in order that I will know (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
126 It is time for Yahweh to act, for people have broken your law.
Yahweh, now is the time for you to [punish people] because they have disobeyed your laws.
127 Truly I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold.
Truly, I love (your commands/what you have commanded) more than I love gold; I love them more than I love [very] pure gold.
128 Therefore I carefully follow all your instructions, and I hate every path of falsehood.
So I conduct my life by (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and I hate all the evil things that [some people do].
129 Your rules are wonderful, that is why I obey them.
(Your requirements are/All the things that you have instructed us to do are) wonderful, so I obey them with all my inner being.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the untrained.
When someone explains (your words/what you have said), [it is as though] they are lighting a light; what they say causes [even] people who have not learned your laws to be wise.
131 I open my mouth and pant, for I long for your commandments.
I eagerly desire to know (your commands/what you have commanded), like [SIM] a [dog] that pants with its mouth open [wanting to be fed].
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do for those who love your name.
Listen to me and act kindly to me, like you do to [all] those who love you [MTY].
133 Direct my footsteps by your word; do not let any sin rule me.
Guide me as you promised/said that you would do and help me not to fall/sin; do not allow evil [people] to control what I do.
134 Redeem me from human oppression so that I may observe your instructions.
Rescue/Save me from those who oppress me in order that I may obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
135 Let your face shine on your servant, and teach me your statutes.
Be kind to me and teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
136 Streams of tears run down from my eyes because people do not observe your law.
I cry very much because [many] people do not obey your laws.
137 You are righteous, Yahweh, and your decrees are fair.
Yahweh, you are righteous and (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) are just/fair.
138 You have given your covenant decrees righteously and faithfully.
(Your requirements/All the things that you have instructed us to do) are true and are all very right and fair.
139 Anger has destroyed me because my adversaries forget your words.
I am (furious/very angry) because my enemies disregard (your words/what you have told us to do).
140 Your word has been tested very much, and your servant loves it.
(Your promises are/All the things that you have said that you will do are) dependable and I love them.
141 I am insignificant and despised, yet I do not forget your instructions.
I am not important and people despise me, but I do not forget (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
142 Your justice is forever right, and your law is trustworthy.
You are righteous and you will be righteous forever, and your laws will never be changed.
143 Though distress and anguish have found me, your commandments are still my delight.
I [constantly] have troubles/difficulties and I am worried, but (your commands cause/what you have commanded causes) me to be happy.
144 Your covenant decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
(Your requirements are/All the things that you have instructed us to do are) always fair; help me to understand them in order that I may [continue to] live.
145 I cried out with my whole heart, “Answer me, Yahweh, I will keep your statutes.
Yahweh, with all my inner being I call out to you; answer me and I will obey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
146 I call to you; save me, and I will observe your covenant decrees.”
I call out to you; save/rescue me in order that I [can continue to] obey [all] (your requirements/the things that you have instructed us to do).
147 I rise before the dawn of the morning and cry for help. I hope in your words.
[Each morning] I arise before dawn and call to you to help me; I confidently expect you to do what you have (promised/said that you will do).
148 My eyes are open before the night watches change so that I might meditate on your word.
All during the night I am awake, and I (meditate on/think about) what you have (promised/said that you would do).
149 Hear my voice in your covenant faithfulness; keep me alive, Yahweh, as you have promised in your righteous decrees.
Yahweh, because you faithfully love me, listen to me [while I pray], and keep me safe because of [my obeying] (your regulations/what you have told us to do).
150 Those who are persecuting me are coming closer to me, but they are far from your law.
Those evil people who oppress/persecute me are coming closer to me; they do not pay any attention to your laws.
151 You are near, Yahweh, and all your commandments are trustworthy.
But Yahweh, you are near to me, and [I know that] (your commands/what you command) will never be changed.
152 Long ago I learned from your covenant decrees that you had set them in place forever.
Long ago I found out about (your requirements/all the things that you have instructed us to do), and [I know that] you intended them to last forever.
153 Look on my affliction and help me, for I do not forget your law.
Look at me and see that I am suffering [very much], and heal me, because I do not forget your laws.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me; keep me, as you have promised in your word.
Defend me [when others accuse me], and rescue me [from them]; allow me to [continue to] live, as you promised/said that you would.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not love your statutes.
Wicked [people] do not obey (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do), so you will certainly not save them.
156 Great are your merciful actions, Yahweh; keep me alive, as you always do.
Yahweh, you are very merciful; allow me to [continue to] live because of [my obeying] (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us).
157 My persecutors and my foes are many, yet I have not turned from your covenant decrees.
Many [people] are my enemies and [many people] (cause me to suffer/persecute me), but I (do not turn aside from/have not stopped obeying) [LIT] (your requirements/what you have instructed us to do).
158 I view the treacherous with disgust because they do not keep your word.
When I look at those who are not faithful to you, I am disgusted because they do not obey (your requirements/what you have instructed [us] to do).
159 See how I love your instructions; keep me alive, Yahweh, as you have promised by your covenant faithfulness.
[Yahweh], notice that I love (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do); because you faithfully love [me], allow me to [continue to] live.
160 The essence of your word is truth; every one of your righteous decrees lasts forever.
All that you have said is truth, and all (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us) will endure forever.
161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your word.
Rulers persecute me for no reason, but in my inner being I revere (your words/what you have said).
162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great plunder.
I am happy about (your words/what you have promised [to do for me)], as happy as someone who has found a great treasure.
163 I hate and despise falsehood, but I love your law.
I thoroughly hate [DOU] [all] lies but I love your laws.
164 Seven times a day I praise you because of your righteous decrees.
Seven/Many times each day I thank you for (your regulations/the rules that you have given to us), and they are [all] just/fair.
165 Great peace they have, those who love your law; nothing makes them stumble.
Things go well for those who love your laws; there is nothing adverse/bad that will happen to them.
166 I hope for your salvation, Yahweh, and I obey your commandments.
Yahweh, I confidently expect that you will rescue me [from my troubles], and I obey (your commands/what you have commanded us).
167 I observe your solemn commands, and I love them greatly.
I obey (what you require/what you have instructed) us to do; I love it [all] very much.
168 I keep your instructions and your solemn commands, for you are aware of everything I do.
I obey (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do), and you see everything that I do.
169 Listen to my cry for help, Yahweh; give me understanding into your word.
Yahweh, listen while I pray [for you to help me]; help me to understand [(your words/what you have told us to do)].
170 May my plea come before you; help me, as you have promised in your word.
Hear me while I pray and rescue/save me as you promised/said that you would.
171 May my lips pour out praise, for you teach me your statutes.
I [MTY] will always praise you because you teach me (your statutes/what you have decreed that [we] should do).
172 Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commandments are right.
I will sing about (your words/what you have promised to do) because (all your commands are/everything that you have commanded is) just/fair.
173 May your hand help me, for I have chosen your instructions.
I ask you [SYN] to [always] be ready to help me because I have chosen [to obey] (your principles of behavior/what you have declared that we should do).
174 I long for your rescue, Yahweh, and your law is my delight.
Yahweh, I eagerly desire for you to rescue/save me [from my enemies]; I am delighted with your laws.
175 May I live and praise you, and may your righteous decrees help me.
Allow me to [continue to] live in order that I can [continue to] praise you, and that your regulations/rules [that you have given to us] will continue to 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 from you] like [SIM] a sheep that has become lost; search for me, because I have not forgotten (your commands/what you have commanded us).
