Psalm 119
Psalm 119
Aleph
1 Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the LORD.2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.3 They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.4 You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.5 Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!6 Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.7 As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!8 I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!
Beth
9 How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.12 I praise you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.
Gimel
17 Be good to your servant,
that I may live and obey your word.18 Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your instructions.19 I am only a foreigner in the land.
Don’t hide your commands from me!20 I am always overwhelmed
with a desire for your regulations.21 You rebuke the arrogant;
those who wander from your commands are cursed.22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me,
for I have obeyed your laws.23 Even princes sit and speak against me,
but I will meditate on your decrees.24 Your laws please me;
they give me wise advice.
Daleth
25 I lie in the dust;
revive me by your word.26 I told you my plans, and you answered.
Now teach me your decrees.27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.28 I weep with sorrow;
encourage me by your word.29 Keep me from lying to myself;
give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.30 I have chosen to be faithful;
I have determined to live by your regulations.31 I cling to your laws.
LORD, don’t let me be put to shame!32 I will pursue your commands,
for you expand my understanding.
He
33 Teach me your decrees, O LORD;
I will keep them to the end.34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.35 Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.36 Give me an eagerness for your laws
rather than a love for money!37 Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word.t38 Reassure me of your promise,
made to those who fear you.39 Help me abandon my shameful ways;
for your regulations are good.40 I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness.
Waw
41 LORD, give me your unfailing love,
the salvation that you promised me.42 Then I can answer those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
for your regulations are my only hope.44 I will keep on obeying your instructions
forever and ever.45 I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments.46 I will speak to kings about your laws,
and I will not be ashamed.47 How I delight in your commands!
How I love them!48 I honor and love your commands.
I meditate on your decrees.
Zayin
49 Remember your promise to me;
it is my only hope.50 Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles.51 The proud hold me in utter contempt,
but I do not turn away from your instructions.52 I meditate on your age-old regulations;
O LORD, they comfort me.53 I become furious with the wicked,
because they reject your instructions.54 Your decrees have been the theme of my songs
wherever I have lived.55 I reflect at night on who you are, O LORD;
therefore, I obey your instructions.56 This is how I spend my life:
obeying your commandments.
Heth
57 LORD, you are mine!
I promise to obey your words!58 With all my heart I want your blessings.
Be merciful as you promised.59 I pondered the direction of my life,
and I turned to follow your laws.60 I will hurry, without delay,
to obey your commands.61 Evil people try to drag me into sin,
but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.62 I rise at midnight to thank you
for your just regulations.63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you—
anyone who obeys your commandments.64 O LORD, your unfailing love fills the earth;
teach me your decrees.
Teth
65 You have done many good things for me, LORD,
just as you promised.66 I believe in your commands;
now teach me good judgment and knowledge.67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
but now I closely follow your word.68 You are good and do only good;
teach me your decrees.69 Arrogant people smear me with lies,
but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.70 Their hearts are dull and stupid,
but I delight in your instructions.71 My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.72 Your instructions are more valuable to me
than millions in gold and silver.
Yodh
73 You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands.74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
for I have put my hope in your word.75 I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair;
you disciplined me because I needed it.76 Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
just as you promised me, your servant.77 Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
for your instructions are my delight.78 Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.79 Let me be united with all who fear you,
with those who know your laws.80 May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
then I will never be ashamed.
Kaph
81 I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
but I have put my hope in your word.82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
When will you comfort me?83 I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.84 How long must I wait?
When will you punish those who persecute me?85 These arrogant people who hate your instructions
have dug deep pits to trap me.86 All your commands are trustworthy.
Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.87 They almost finished me off,
but I refused to abandon your commandments.88 In your unfailing love, spare my life;
then I can continue to obey your laws.
Lamedh
89 Your eternal word, O LORD,
stands firm in heaven.90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
as enduring as the earth you created.91 Your regulations remain true to this day,
for everything serves your plans.92 If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,
I would have died in my misery.93 I will never forget your commandments,
for by them you give me life.94 I am yours; rescue me!
For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.96 Even perfection has its limits,
but your commands have no limit.
Mem
97 Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are my constant guide.99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your laws.100 I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept your commandments.101 I have refused to walk on any evil path,
so that I may remain obedient to your word.102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations,
for you have taught me well.103 How sweet your words taste to me;
they are sweeter than honey.104 Your commandments give me understanding;
no wonder I hate every false way of life.
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.106 I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:
I will obey your righteous regulations.107 I have suffered much, O LORD;
restore my life again as you promised.108 LORD, accept my offering of praise,
and teach me your regulations.109 My life constantly hangs in the balance,
but I will not stop obeying your instructions.110 The wicked have set their traps for me,
but I will not turn from your commandments.111 Your laws are my treasure;
they are my heart’s delight.112 I am determined to keep your decrees
to the very end.
Samekh
113 I hate those with divided loyalties,
but I love your instructions.114 You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,
for I intend to obey the commands of my God.116 LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
Do not let my hope be crushed.117 Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
then I will meditate continually on your decrees.118 But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees.
They are only fooling themselves.119 You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;
no wonder I love to obey your laws!120 I tremble in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your regulations.
Ayin
121 Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies,
for I have done what is just and right.122 Please guarantee a blessing for me.
Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!123 My eyes strain to see your rescue,
to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.124 I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,
and teach me your decrees.125 Give discernment to me, your servant;
then I will understand your laws.126 LORD, it is time for you to act,
for these evil people have violated your instructions.127 Truly, I love your commands
more than gold, even the finest gold.128 Each of your commandments is right.
That is why I hate every false way.
Pe
129 Your laws are wonderful.
No wonder I obey them!130 The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.131 I pant with expectation,
longing for your commands.132 Come and show me your mercy,
as you do for all who love your name.133 Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.134 Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.135 Look upon me with love;
teach me your decrees.136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
because people disobey your instructions.
Tsadhe
137 O LORD, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.138 Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.139 I am overwhelmed with indignation,
for my enemies have disregarded your words.140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.141 I am insignificant and despised,
but I don’t forget your commandments.142 Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.143 As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.144 Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live.
Qoph
145 I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD!
I will obey your decrees.146 I cry out to you; rescue me,
that I may obey your laws.147 I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.148 I stay awake through the night,
thinking about your promise.149 In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry;
let me be revived by following your regulations.150 Lawless people are coming to attack me;
they live far from your instructions.151 But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commands are true.152 I have known from my earliest days
that your laws will last forever.
Resh
153 Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten your instructions.154 Argue my case; take my side!
Protect my life as you promised.155 The wicked are far from rescue,
for they do not bother with your decrees.156 LORD, how great is your mercy;
let me be revived by following your regulations.157 Many persecute and trouble me,
yet I have not swerved from your laws.158 Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,
because they care nothing for your word.159 See how I love your commandments, LORD.
Give back my life because of your unfailing love.160 The very essence of your words is truth;
all your just regulations will stand forever.
Shin
161 Powerful people harass me without cause,
but my heart trembles only at your word.162 I rejoice in your word
like one who discovers a great treasure.163 I hate and abhor all falsehood,
but I love your instructions.164 I will praise you seven times a day
because all your regulations are just.165 Those who love your instructions have great peace
and do not stumble.166 I long for your rescue, LORD,
so I have obeyed your commands.167 I have obeyed your laws,
for I love them very much.168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws
because you know everything I do.
Taw
169 O LORD, listen to my cry;
give me the discerning mind you promised.170 Listen to my prayer;
rescue me as you promised.171 Let praise flow from my lips,
for you have taught me your decrees.172 Let my tongue sing about your word,
for all your commands are right.173 Give me a helping hand,
for I have chosen to follow your commandments.174 O LORD, I have longed for your rescue,
and your instructions are my delight.175 Let me live so I can praise you,
and may your regulations help me.176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
for I have not forgotten your commands.
PSALMS 119
In Praise of the Law //of the [Lord]
1 Our [Lord], you bless everyone
who lives right
and obeys your Law.
2 You bless all those
who follow your commands
from deep in their hearts
3 and who never do wrong
or turn from you.
4 You have ordered us always
to obey your teachings;
5 I don't ever want to stray
from your laws.
6 Thinking about your commands
will keep me from doing
some foolish thing.
7 I will do right and praise you
by learning to respect
your perfect laws.
8 I will obey all of them!
Don't turn your back on me.
9 Young people can live
a clean life
by obeying your word.
10 I worship you
with all my heart.
Don't let me walk away
from your commands.
11 I treasure your word
above all else;
it keeps me from sinning
against you.
12 I praise you, [Lord]!
Teach me your laws.
13 With my own mouth,
I tell others the laws
that you have spoken.
14 Obeying your instructions
brings as much happiness
as being rich.
15 I will study your teachings
and follow your footsteps.
16 I will take pleasure
in your laws
and remember your words.
17 Treat me with kindness, [Lord],
so that I may live
and do what you say.
18 Open my mind
and let me discover
the wonders of your Law.
19 I live here as a stranger.
Don't keep me from knowing
your commands.
20 What I want most
and at all times
is to honor your laws.
21 You punish those boastful,
worthless nobodies who turn
from your commands.
22 Don't let them sneer
and insult me
for following you.
23 I keep thinking about
your teachings, [Lord],
even if rulers plot
against me.
24 Your laws are my greatest joy!
I follow their advice.
25 I am at the point of death.
Let your teachings
breathe new life into me.
26 When I told you my troubles,
you answered my prayers.
Now teach me your laws.
27 Help me to understand
your teachings,
and I will think about
your marvelous deeds.
28 I am overcome with sorrow.
Encourage me,
as you have promised to do.
29 Keep me from being deceitful,
and be kind enough
to teach me your Law.
30 I am determined to be faithful
and to respect your laws.
31 I follow your rules, [Lord].
Don't let me be ashamed.
32 I am eager to learn all
that you want me to do;
help me to understand more.
33 Point out your rules, [Lord],
and I won't disobey
even one of them.
34 Help me to understand your Law;
I promise to obey it
with all my heart.
35 Direct me by your commands!
I love to do what you say.
36 Make me want to obey you,
rather than to be rich.
37 Take away my foolish desires,
and let me find life
by walking with you.
38 I am your servant!
Do for me what you promised
to those who worship you.
39 Your wonderful teachings
protect me from the insults
that I hate so much.
40 I long for your teachings.
Be true to yourself
and let me live.
41 Show me your love
and save me, [Lord],
as you have promised.
42 Then I will have an answer
for everyone who insults me
for trusting your word.
43 I rely on your laws!
Don't take away my chance
to speak your truth.
44 I will keep obeying your Law
forever and ever.
45 I have gained perfect freedom
by following your teachings,
46 and I trust them so much
that I tell them to kings.
47 I love your commands!
They bring me happiness.
48 I love and respect them
and will keep them in mind.
49 Don't forget your promise
to me, your servant.
I depend on it.
50 When I am hurting,
I find comfort in your promise
that leads to life.
51 Conceited people sneer at me,
but I obey your Law.
52 I find true comfort, [Lord],
because your laws have stood
the test of time.
53 I get furious when evil people
turn against your Law.
54 No matter where I am,
your teachings
fill me with songs.
55 Even in the night
I think about you, [Lord],
and I obey your Law.
56 You have blessed me
because I have always followed
your teachings.
57 You, [Lord], are my choice,
and I will obey you.
58 With all my heart
I beg you to be kind to me,
just as you have promised.
59 I pay careful attention
as you lead me,
and I follow closely.
60 As soon as you command,
I do what you say.
61 Evil people may set a trap,
but I obey your Law.
62 Your laws are so fair
that I wake up and praise you
in the middle of the night.
63 I choose as my friends
everyone who worships you
and follows your teachings.
64 Our [Lord], your love is seen
all over the world.
Teach me your laws.
65 I am your servant, [Lord],
and you have kept your promise
to treat me with kindness.
66 Give me wisdom and good sense.
I trust your commands.
67 Once you corrected me
for not obeying you,
but now I do obey.
68 You are kindhearted,
and you do good things,
so teach me your laws.
69 My reputation is being ruined
by conceited liars,
but with all my heart
I follow your teachings.
70 Those liars have no sense,
but I find happiness
in your Law.
71 When you corrected me,
it did me good
because it taught me
to study your laws.
72 I would rather obey you
than to have a thousand pieces
of silver and gold.
73 You created me
and put me together.
Make me wise enough to learn
what you have commanded.
74 Your worshipers will see me,
and they will be glad
that I trust your word.
75 Your decisions are correct,
and you were right
to punish me.
76 I serve you, [Lord].
Comfort me with your love,
just as you have promised.
77 I love to obey your Law!
Have mercy and let me live.
78 Put down those proud people
who hurt me with their lies,
because I have chosen
to study your teachings.
79 Let your worshipers come to me,
so they will learn
to obey your rules.
80 Let me truly respect your laws,
so I won't be ashamed.
81 I long for you to rescue me!
Your word is my only hope.
82 I am worn out from waiting
for you to keep your word.
When will you have mercy?
83 My life is wasting away
like a dried-up wineskin, t
but I have not forgotten
your teachings.
84 I am your servant!
How long must I suffer?
When will you punish
those troublemakers?
85 Those proud people reject
your teachings,
and they dig pits
for me to fall in.
86 Your laws can be trusted!
Protect me from cruel liars.
87 They have almost killed me,
but I have been faithful
to your teachings.
88 Show that you love me
and let me live,
so that I may obey
your commands.
89 Our [Lord], you are eternal!
Your word will last as long
as the heavens.t
90 You remain faithful
in every generation,
and the earth you created
will keep standing firm.
91 All things are your servants,
and the laws you made
are still in effect today.
92 If I had not found happiness
in obeying your Law,
I would have died in misery.
93 I won't ever forget
your teachings,
because you give me new life
when I follow them.
94 I belong to you,
and I have respected your laws,
so keep me safe.
95 Brutal enemies are waiting
to ambush and destroy me,
but I obey your rules.
96 Nothing is completely perfect,
except your teachings.
97 I deeply love your Law!
I think about it all day.
98 Your laws never leave my mind,
and they make me much wiser
than my enemies.
99 Thinking about your teachings
gives me better understanding
than my teachers,
100 and obeying your laws
makes me wiser than those
who have lived a long time.
101 I obey your word
instead of following a way
that leads to trouble.
102 You have been my teacher,
and I won't reject
your instructions.
103 Your teachings are sweeter
than honey.
104 They give me understanding
and make me hate all lies.
105 Your word is a lamp
that gives light
wherever I walk.
106 Your laws are fair,
and I have given my word
to respect them all.
107 I am in terrible pain!
Save me, [Lord],
as you have promised.
108 Accept my offerings of praise
and teach me your laws.
109 I never forget your teachings,
although my life is always
in danger.
110 Some merciless people
are trying to trap me,
but I never turn my back
on your teachings.
111 They will always be
my most prized possession
and my source of joy.
112 I have made up my mind
to obey your laws forever,
no matter what.
113 I hate anyone
whose loyalty is divided,
but I love your Law.
114 You are my place of safety
and my shield.
Your word is my only hope.
115 All you worthless people,
get away from me!
I am determined to obey
the commands of my God.
116 Be true to your word, [Lord].
Keep me alive and strong;
don't let me be ashamed
because of my hope.
117 Keep me safe and secure,
so that I will always
respect your laws.
118 You reject all deceitful liars
because they refuse
your teachings.
119 As far as you are concerned,
evil people aret garbage,
and so I follow your rules.
120 I tremble all over
when I think of you
and the way you judge.
121 I did what was fair and right!
Don't hand me over to those
who want to mistreat me.
122 Take good care of me,
your servant,
and don't let me be harmed
by those conceited people.
123 My eyes are weary from waiting
to see you keep your promise
to come and save me.
124 Show your love for me,
your servant,
and teach me your laws.
125 I serve you,
so let me understand
your teachings.
126 Do something, [Lord]!
They have broken your Law.
127 Your laws mean more to me
than the finest gold.
128 I follow all your commands, t
but I hate anyone
who leads me astray.
129 Your teachings are wonderful,
and I respect them all.
130 Understanding your word
brings light to the minds
of ordinary people.
131 I honestly want to know
everything you teach.
132 Think about me and be kind,
just as you are to everyone
who loves your name.
133 Keep your promise
and don't let me stumble
or let sin control my life.
134 Protect me from abuse,
so I can obey your laws.
135 Smile on me, your servant,
and teach me your laws.
136 When anyone disobeys you,
my eyes overflow with tears.
137 Our [Lord], you always do right,
and your decisions are fair.
138 All your teachings are true
and trustworthy.
139 It upsets me greatly
when my enemies neglect
your teachings.
140 Your word to me, your servant,
is like pure gold;
I treasure what you say.
141 Everyone calls me a nobody,
but I remember your laws.
142 You will always do right,
and your teachings are true.
143 I am in deep distress,
but I love your teachings.
144 Your rules are always fair.
Help me to understand them
and live.
145 I pray to you, [Lord]!
Please answer me.
I promise to obey your laws.
146 I beg you to save me,
so I can follow your rules.
147 Even before sunrise,
I pray for your help,
and I put my hope
in what you have said.
148 I lie awake at night,
thinking of your promises.
149 Show that you love me, [Lord],
and answer my prayer.
Please do the right thing
and save my life.
150 People who disobey your Law
have made evil plans
and want to hurt me,
151 but you are with me,
and all your commands
can be trusted.
152 From studying your laws,
I found out long ago
you made them to last forever.
153 I have not forgotten your Law!
Look at the trouble I am in,
and rescue me.
154 Be my defender and protector!
Remember your promise
and save my life.
155 Evil people won't obey you,
and so they have no hope
of being saved.
156 You are merciful, [Lord]!
Please do the right thing
and save my life.
157 I have a lot of brutal enemies,
but still I never turn
from your laws.
158 Those unfaithful people
who refuse to obey you
are disgusting to me.
159 Remember how I love your laws,
and show your love for me
by keeping me safe.
160 All you say can be trusted;
your teachings are true
and will last forever.
161 Rulers are cruel to me
for no reason.
But with all my heart
I respect your words,
162 because they bring happiness
like treasures taken in war.
163 I can't stand liars,
but I love your Law.
164 I praise you seven times a day
because your laws are fair.
165 You give peace of mind
to all who love your Law.
Nothing can make them fall.
166 You are my only hope
for being saved, [Lord],
and I do all you command.
167 I love and obey your laws
with all my heart.
168 You know everything I do.
You know I respect every law
you have given.
169 Please, [Lord], hear my prayer
and give me the understanding
that comes from your word.
170 Listen to my concerns
and keep me safe,
just as you have promised.
171 If you will teach me your laws,
I will praise you
172 and sing
about your promise,
because all your teachings
are what they ought to be.
173 Be ready to protect me
because I have chosen
to obey your laws.
174 I am waiting for you
to save me, [Lord].
Your Law makes me happy.
175 Keep me alive,
so I can praise you,
and let me find help
in your teachings.
176 I am your servant,
but I have wandered away
like a lost sheep.
Please come after me,
because I have not forgotten
your teachings.
