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