Psalm 119
The Word of God
1 Happy are those who live pure lives, who follow the Lord’s teachings.
2 Happy are those who keep his rules, who try to obey him with their whole heart.
3 They don’t do what is wrong; they follow his ways.
4 Lord, you gave your orders to be obeyed completely.
5 I wish I were more loyal in obeying your demands.
6 Then I would not be ashamed when I study your commands.
7 When I learned that your laws are fair, I praised you with an honest heart.
8 I will obey your demands, so please don’t ever leave me.
9 How can a young person live a pure life? By obeying your word.
10 With all my heart I try to obey you. Don’t let me break your commands.
11 I have taken your words to heart so I would not sin against you.
12 Lord, you should be praised. Teach me your demands.
13 My lips will tell about all the laws you have spoken.
14 I enjoy living by your rules as people enjoy great riches.
15 I think about your orders and study your ways.
16 I enjoy obeying your demands, and I will not forget your word.
17 Do good to me, your servant, so I can live, so I can obey your word.
18 Open my eyes to see the miracles in your teachings.
19 I am a stranger on earth. Do not hide your commands from me.
20 I wear myself out with desire for your laws all the time.
21 You scold proud people; those who ignore your commands are cursed.
22 Don’t let me be insulted and hated because I keep your rules.
23 Even if princes speak against me, I, your servant, will think about your demands.
24 Your rules give me pleasure; they give me good advice.
25 I am about to die. Give me life, as you have promised.
26 I told you about my life, and you answered me. Teach me your demands.
27 Help me understand your orders. Then I will think about your miracles.
28 I am sad and tired. Make me strong again as you have promised.
29 Don’t let me be dishonest; have mercy on me by helping me obey your teachings.
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have obeyed your laws.
31 I hold on to your rules. Lord, do not let me be disgraced.
32 I will quickly obey your commands, because you have made me happy.
33 Lord, teach me your demands, and I will keep them until the end.
34 Help me understand, so I can keep your teachings, obeying them with all my heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commands, because that makes me happy.
36 Make me want to keep your rules instead of wishing for riches.
37 Keep me from looking at worthless things. Let me live by your word.
38 Keep your promise to me, your servant, so you will be respected.
39 Take away the shame I fear, because your laws are good.
40 How I want to follow your orders. Give me life because of your goodness.
41 Lord, show me your love, and save me as you have promised.
42 I have an answer for people who insult me, because I trust what you say.
43 Never keep me from speaking your truth, because I depend on your fair laws.
44 I will obey your teachings forever and ever.
45 So I will live in freedom, because I want to follow your orders.
46 I will discuss your rules with kings and will not be ashamed.
47 I enjoy obeying your commands, which I love.
48 I praise your commands, which I love, and I think about your demands.
49 Remember your promise to me, your servant; it gives me hope.
50 When I suffer, this comforts me: Your promise gives me life.
51 Proud people always make fun of me, but I do not reject your teachings.
52 I remember your laws from long ago, and they comfort me, Lord.
53 I become angry with wicked people who do not keep your teachings.
54 I sing about your demands wherever I live.
55 Lord, I remember you at night, and I will obey your teachings.
56 This is what I do: I follow your orders.
57 Lord, you are my share in life; I have promised to obey your words.
58 I prayed to you with all my heart. Have mercy on me as you have promised.
59 I thought about my life, and I decided to follow your rules.
60 I hurried and did not wait to obey your commands.
61 Wicked people have tied me up, but I have not forgotten your teachings.
62 In the middle of the night, I get up to thank you because your laws are right.
63 I am a friend to everyone who fears you, to anyone who obeys your orders.
64 Lord, your love fills the earth. Teach me your demands.
65 You have done good things for your servant, as you have promised, Lord.
66 Teach me wisdom and knowledge because I trust your commands.
67 Before I suffered, I did wrong, but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and you do what is good. Teach me your demands.
69 Proud people have made up lies about me, but I will follow your orders with all my heart.
70 Those people have no feelings, but I love your teachings.
71 It was good for me to suffer so I would learn your demands.
72 Your teachings are worth more to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
73 You made me and formed me with your hands. Give me understanding so I can learn your commands.
74 Let those who respect you rejoice when they see me, because I put my hope in your word.
75 Lord, I know that your laws are right and that it was right for you to punish me.
76 Comfort me with your love, as you promised me, your servant.
77 Have mercy on me so that I may live. I love your teachings.
78 Make proud people ashamed because they lied about me. But I will think about your orders.
79 Let those who respect you return to me, those who know your rules.
80 Let me obey your demands perfectly so I will not be ashamed.
81 I am weak from waiting for you to save me, but I hope in your word.
82 My eyes are tired from looking for your promise. When will you comfort me?
83 Even though I am like a wine bag going up in smoke, I do not forget your demands.
84 How long will I live? When will you judge those who are hurting me?
85 Proud people have dug pits to trap me. They have nothing to do with your teachings.
86 All of your commands can be trusted. Liars are hurting me. Help me!
87 They have almost put me in the grave, but I have not rejected your orders.
88 Give me life by your love so I can obey your rules.
89 Lord, your word is everlasting; it continues forever in heaven.
90 Your loyalty will go on and on; you made the earth, and it still stands.
91 All things continue to this day because of your laws, because all things serve you.
92 If I had not loved your teachings, I would have died from my sufferings.
93 I will never forget your orders, because you have given me life by them.
94 I am yours. Save me. I want to obey your orders.
95 Wicked people are waiting to destroy me, but I will think about your rules.
96 Everything I see has its limits, but your commands have none.
97 How I love your teachings! I think about them all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, because they are mine forever.
99 I am wiser than all my teachers, because I think about your rules.
100 I have more understanding than the elders, because I follow your orders.
101 I have avoided every evil way so I could obey your word.
102 I haven’t walked away from your laws, because you yourself are my teacher.
103 Your promises are sweet to me, sweeter than honey in my mouth!
104 Your orders give me understanding, so I hate lying ways.
105 Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
106 I will do what I have promised and obey your fair laws.
107 I have suffered for a long time. Lord, give me life by your word.
108 Lord, accept my willing praise and teach me your laws.
109 My life is always in danger, but I haven’t forgotten your teachings.
110 Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I haven’t strayed from your orders.
111 I will follow your rules forever, because they make me happy.
112 I will try to do what you demand forever, until the end.
113 I hate disloyal people, but I love your teachings.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.
115 Get away from me, you who do evil, so I can keep my God’s commands.
116 Support me as you promised so I can live. Don’t let me be embarrassed because of my hopes.
117 Help me, and I will be saved. I will always respect your demands.
118 You reject those who ignore your demands, because their lies mislead them.
119 You throw away the wicked of the world like trash. So I will love your rules.
120 I shake in fear of you; I respect your laws.
121 I have done what is fair and right. Don’t leave me to those who wrong me.
122 Promise that you will help me, your servant. Don’t let proud people wrong me.
123 My eyes are tired from looking for your salvation and for your good promise.
124 Show your love to me, your servant, and teach me your demands.
125 I am your servant. Give me wisdom so I can understand your rules.
126 Lord, it is time for you to do something, because people have disobeyed your teachings.
127 I love your commands more than the purest gold.
128 I respect all your orders, so I hate lying ways.
129 Your rules are wonderful. That is why I keep them.
130 Learning your words gives wisdom and understanding for the foolish.
131 I am nearly out of breath. I really want to learn your commands.
132 Look at me and have mercy on me as you do for those who love you.
133 Guide my steps as you promised; don’t let any sin control me.
134 Save me from harmful people so I can obey your orders.
135 Show your kindness to me, your servant. Teach me your demands.
136 Tears stream from my eyes, because people do not obey your teachings.
137 Lord, you do what is right, and your laws are fair.
138 The rules you commanded are right and completely trustworthy.
139 I am so upset I am worn out, because my enemies have forgotten your words.
140 Your promises are proven, so I, your servant, love them.
141 I am unimportant and hated, but I have not forgotten your orders.
142 Your goodness continues forever, and your teachings are true.
143 I have had troubles and misery, but I love your commands.
144 Your rules are always good. Help me understand so I can live.
145 Lord, I call to you with all my heart. Answer me, and I will keep your demands.
146 I call to you. Save me so I can obey your rules.
147 I wake up early in the morning and cry out. I hope in your word.
148 I stay awake all night so I can think about your promises.
149 Listen to me because of your love; Lord, give me life by your laws.
150 Those who love evil are near, but they are far from your teachings.
151 But, Lord, you are also near, and all your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your rules that you made them to continue forever.
153 See my suffering and rescue me, because I have not forgotten your teachings.
154 Argue my case and save me. Let me live by your promises.
155 Wicked people are far from being saved, because they do not want your demands.
156 Lord, you are very kind; give me life by your laws.
157 Many enemies are after me, but I have not rejected your rules.
158 I see those traitors, and I hate them, because they do not obey what you say.
159 See how I love your orders. Lord, give me life by your love.
160 Your words are true from the start, and all your laws will be fair forever.
161 Leaders attack me for no reason, but I fear your law in my heart.
162 I am as happy over your promises as if I had found a great treasure.
163 I hate and despise lies, but I love your teachings.
164 Seven times a day I praise you for your fair laws.
165 Those who love your teachings will find true peace, and nothing will defeat them.
166 I am waiting for you to save me, Lord. I will obey your commands.
167 I obey your rules, and I love them very much.
168 I obey your orders and rules, because you know everything I do.
169 Hear my cry to you, Lord. Let your word help me understand.
170 Listen to my prayer; save me as you promised.
171 Let me speak your praise, because you have taught me your demands.
172 Let me sing about your promises, because all your commands are fair.
173 Give me your helping hand, because I have chosen your commands.
174 I want you to save me, Lord. I love your teachings.
175 Let me live so I can praise you, and let your laws help me.
176 I have wandered like a lost sheep. Look for your servant, because I have not forgotten your commands.
Psalm 119
א (Alef)
1 How blessed are those whose actions are blameless,
who obey the law of the Lord.
2 How blessed are those who observe his rules,
and seek him with all their heart,
3 who, moreover, do no wrong,
but follow in his footsteps.
4 You demand that your precepts
be carefully kept.
5 If only I were predisposed
to keep your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed,
if I were focused on all your commands.
7 I will give you sincere thanks,
when I learn your just regulations.
8 I will keep your statutes.
Do not completely abandon me!
ב (Bet)
9 How can a young person maintain a pure life?
By guarding it according to your instructions!
10 With all my heart I seek you.
Do not allow me to stray from your commands!
11 In my heart I store up your words,
so I might not sin against you.
12 You deserve praise, O Lord!
Teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I proclaim
all the regulations you have revealed.
14 I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules
as if they were riches of all kinds.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and focus on your behavior.
16 I find delight in your statutes;
I do not forget your instructions.
ג (Gimel)
17 Be kind to your servant!
Then I will live and keep your instructions.
18 Open my eyes so I can truly see
the marvelous things in your law!
19 I am like a foreigner in this land.
Do not hide your commands from me!
20 I desperately long to know
your regulations at all times.
21 You reprimand arrogant people.
Those who stray from your commands are doomed.
22 Spare me shame and humiliation,
for I observe your rules.
23 Though rulers plot and slander me,
your servant meditates on your statutes.
24 Yes, I find delight in your rules;
they give me guidance.
ד (Dalet)
25 I collapse in the dirt.
Revive me with your word!
26 I told you about my ways and you answered me.
Teach me your statutes!
27 Help me to understand what your precepts mean!
Then I can meditate on your marvelous teachings.
28 I collapse from grief.
Sustain me by your word!
29 Remove me from the path of deceit!
Graciously give me your law!
30 I choose the path of faithfulness;
I am committed to your regulations.
31 I hold fast to your rules.
O Lord, do not let me be ashamed!
32 I run along the path of your commands,
for you enable me to do so.
ה (He)
33 Teach me, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes,
so that I might observe it continually.
34 Give me understanding so that I might observe your law,
and keep it with all my heart.
35 Guide me in the path of your commands,
for I delight to walk in it.
36 Give me a desire for your rules,
rather than for wealth gained unjustly.
37 Turn my eyes away from what is worthless!
Revive me with your word!
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
which you made to the one who honors you.
39 Take away the insults that I dread!
Indeed, your regulations are good.
40 Look, I long for your precepts.
Revive me with your deliverance!
ו (Vav)
41 May I experience your loyal love, O Lord,
and your deliverance, as you promised.
42 Then I will have a reply for the one who insults me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony,
for I await your justice.
44 Then I will keep your law continually
now and for all time.
45 I will be secure,
for I seek your precepts.
46 I will speak about your regulations before kings
and not be ashamed.
47 I will find delight in your commands,
which I love.
48 I will lift my hands to your commands,
which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
ז (Zayin)
49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 This is what comforts me in my trouble,
for your promise revives me.
51 Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me.
Yet I do not turn aside from your law.
52 I remember your ancient regulations,
O Lord, and console myself.
53 Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked,
those who reject your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
in the house where I live.
55 I remember your name during the night, O Lord,
and I will keep your law.
56 This has been my practice,
for I observe your precepts.
ח (Khet)
57 The Lord is my source of security.
I have determined to follow your instructions.
58 I seek your favor with all my heart.
Have mercy on me as you promised!
59 I consider my actions
and follow your rules.
60 I keep your commands
eagerly and without delay.
61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around me,
but I do not forget your law.
62 In the middle of the night I arise to thank you
for your just regulations.
63 I am a friend to all your loyal followers,
and to those who keep your precepts.
64 O Lord, your loyal love fills the earth.
Teach me your statutes!
ט (Tet)
65 You are good to your servant,
O Lord, just as you promised.
66 Teach me proper discernment and understanding!
For I consider your commands to be reliable.
67 Before I was afflicted I used to stray off,
but now I keep your instructions.
68 You are good and you do good.
Teach me your statutes!
69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies,
but I observe your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are calloused,
but I find delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to suffer,
so that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law you have revealed is more important to me
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
י (Yod)
73 Your hands made me and formed me.
Give me understanding so that I might learn your commands.
74 Your loyal followers will be glad when they see me,
for I find hope in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your regulations are just.
You disciplined me because of your faithful devotion to me.
76 May your loyal love console me,
as you promised your servant.
77 May I experience your compassion, so I might live!
For I find delight in your law.
78 May the arrogant be humiliated, for they have slandered me!
But I meditate on your precepts.
79 May your loyal followers turn to me,
those who know your rules.
80 May I be fully committed to your statutes,
so that I might not be ashamed.
כ (Kaf)
81 I desperately long for your deliverance.
I find hope in your word.
82 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your promise to be fulfilled.
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I am like a wineskin dried up in smoke.
I do not forget your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure this?
When will you judge those who pursue me?
85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
which violates your law.
86 All your commands are reliable.
I am pursued without reason. Help me!
87 They have almost destroyed me here on the earth,
but I do not reject your precepts.
88 Revive me with your loyal love,
that I might keep the rules you have revealed.
ל (Lamed)
89 O Lord, your instructions endure;
they stand secure in heaven.
90 You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations.
You established the earth and it stood firm.
91 Today they stand firm by your decrees,
for all things are your servants.
92 If I had not found encouragement in your law,
I would have died in my sorrow.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have revived me.
94 I belong to you. Deliver me!
For I seek your precepts.
95 The wicked prepare to kill me,
yet I concentrate on your rules.
96 I realize that everything has its limits,
but your commands are beyond full comprehension.
מ (Mem)
97 O how I love your law!
All day long I meditate on it.
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
for I am always aware of them.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your rules.
100 I am more discerning than those older than I,
for I observe your precepts.
101 I stay away from the evil path,
so that I might keep your instructions.
102 I do not turn aside from your regulations,
for you teach me.
103 Your words are sweeter
in my mouth than honey!
104 Your precepts give me discernment.
Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.
נ (Nun)
105 Your word is a lamp to walk by,
and a light to illumine my path.
106 I have vowed and solemnly sworn
to keep your just regulations.
107 I am suffering terribly.
O Lord, revive me with your word!
108 O Lord, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise!
Teach me your regulations!
109 My life is in continual danger,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked lay a trap for me,
but I do not wander from your precepts.
111 I claim your rules as my permanent possession,
for they give me joy.
112 I am determined to obey your statutes
at all times, to the very end.
113 I hate people with divided loyalties,
but I love your law.
ס (Samek)
114 You are my hiding place and my shield.
I find hope in your word.
115 Turn away from me, you evil men,
so that I can observe the commands of my God.
116 Sustain me as you promised, so that I will live.
Do not disappoint me!
117 Support me, so that I will be delivered.
Then I will focus on your statutes continually.
118 You despise all who stray from your statutes,
for they are deceptive and unreliable.
119 You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag.
Therefore I love your rules.
120 My body trembles because I fear you;
I am afraid of your judgments.
ע (Ayin)
121 I do what is fair and right.
Do not abandon me to my oppressors!
122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant!
Do not let the arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your deliverance,
for your reliable promise to be fulfilled.
124 Show your servant your loyal love!
Teach me your statutes!
125 I am your servant. Give me insight,
so that I can understand your rules.
126 It is time for the Lord to act –
they break your law!
127 For this reason I love your commands
more than gold, even purest gold.
128 For this reason I carefully follow all your precepts.
I hate all deceitful actions.
פ (Pe)
129 Your rules are marvelous.
Therefore I observe them.
130 Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines.
They give insight to the untrained.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commands.
132 Turn toward me and extend mercy to me,
as you typically do to your loyal followers.
133 Direct my steps by your word!
Do not let any sin dominate me!
134 Deliver me from oppressive men,
so that I can keep your precepts.
135 Smile on your servant!
Teach me your statutes!
136 Tears stream down from my eyes,
because people do not keep your law.
צ (Tsade)
137 You are just, O Lord,
and your judgments are fair.
138 The rules you impose are just,
and absolutely reliable.
139 My zeal consumes me,
for my enemies forget your instructions.
140 Your word is absolutely pure,
and your servant loves it!
141 I am insignificant and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your justice endures,
and your law is reliable.
143 Distress and hardship confront me,
yet I find delight in your commands.
144 Your rules remain just.
Give me insight so that I can live.
ק (Qof)
145 I cried out with all my heart, “Answer me, O Lord!
I will observe your statutes.”
146 I cried out to you, “Deliver me,
so that I can keep your rules.”
147 I am up before dawn crying for help.
I find hope in your word.
148 My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours,
so that I can meditate on your word.
149 Listen to me because of your loyal love!
O Lord, revive me, as you typically do!
150 Those who are eager to do wrong draw near;
they are far from your law.
151 You are near, O Lord,
and all your commands are reliable.
152 I learned long ago that
you ordained your rules to last.
ר (Resh)
153 See my pain and rescue me!
For I do not forget your law.
154 Fight for me and defend me!
Revive me with your word!
155 The wicked have no chance for deliverance,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Your compassion is great, O Lord.
Revive me, as you typically do!
157 The enemies who chase me are numerous.
Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.
158 I take note of the treacherous and despise them,
because they do not keep your instructions.
159 See how I love your precepts!
O Lord, revive me with your loyal love!
160 Your instructions are totally reliable;
all your just regulations endure.
שׂ/שׁ (Sin/Shin)
161 Rulers pursue me for no reason,
yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.
162 I rejoice in your instructions,
like one who finds much plunder.
163 I hate and despise deceit;
I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
because of your just regulations.
165 Those who love your law are completely secure;
nothing causes them to stumble.
166 I hope for your deliverance, O Lord,
and I obey your commands.
167 I keep your rules;
I love them greatly.
168 I keep your precepts and rules,
for you are aware of everything I do.
ת (Tav)
169 Listen to my cry for help, O Lord!
Give me insight by your word!
170 Listen to my appeal for mercy!
Deliver me, as you promised.
171 May praise flow freely from my lips,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 May my tongue sing about your instructions,
for all your commands are just.
173 May your hand help me,
for I choose to obey your precepts.
174 I long for your deliverance, O Lord;
I find delight in your law.
175 May I live and praise you!
May your regulations help me!
176 I have wandered off like a lost sheep.
Come looking for your servant,
for I do not forget your commands.