Psalms 119
119
PSALM 119
Common Meter: 8,6,8,6
Aleph, The 1st Part.
1Blessed are they that undefil'd,
and straight are in the way;
Who in the Lord's most holy law do walk,
and do not stray.
2Blessed are they who to observe
his statutes are inclin'd;
And who do seek the living God
with their whole heart and mind.
3Such in his ways do walk,
and they do no iniquity.
4Thou hast commanded us to keep
thy precepts carefully.
5O that thy statutes to observe
thou would'st my ways direct!
6Then shall I not be sham'd, when I
thy precepts all respect.
7Then with integrity of heart
thee will I praise and bless,
When I the judgments all have learn'd
of thy pure righteousness.
8That I will keep thy statutes all
firmly resolv'd have I:
O do not then, most gracious God,
forsake me utterly.
Beth, The 2nd Part.
9By what means shall a young man learn
his way to purify?
If he according to thy word
thereto attentive be.
10Unfeignedly thee have I sought
with all my soul and heart:
O let me not from the right path
of thy commands depart.
11Thy word I in my heart have hid,
that I offend not thee.
12O Lord, thou ever blessed art,
thy statutes teach thou me.
13The judgments of thy mouth each one
my lips declared have:
14More joy thy testimonies' way
than riches all me gave.
15I will thy holy precepts make
my meditation;
And carefully I'll have respect
unto thy ways each one.
16Upon thy statutes my delight
shall constantly be set:
And, by thy grace, I never will
thy holy word forget.
Gimel, The 3rd Part.
17With me thy servant, in thy grace,
deal bountifully, Lord:
That by thy favor I may live,
and duly keep thy word.
18Open mine eyes, that of thy law
the wonders I may see.
19I am a stranger on this earth,
hide not thy laws from me.
20My soul within me breaks,
and doth much fainting still endure,
Through longing that it hath all times
unto thy judgments pure.
21Thou hast rebuk'd the cursed proud,
who from thy precepts swerve.
22Reproach and shame remove from me,
for I thy laws observe.
23Against me princes spake with spite,
while they in council sat:
But I thy servant did upon
thy statutes meditate.
24My comfort, and my heart's delight,
thy testimonies be;
And they, in all my doubts and fears,
are counsellors to me.
Daleth, The 4th Part.
25My soul to dust cleaves: quicken me,
according to thy word.
26My ways I shew'd, and me thou heard'st:
teach me thy statutes, Lord.
27The way of thy commandements
make me aright to know;
So all thy works that wondrous are
I shall to others show.
28My soul doth melt, and drop away,
for heaviness and grief:
To me, according to thy word,
give strength, and send relief.
29From me the wicked way of lies
let far removed be;
And graciously thy holy law
do thou grant unto me.
30I chosen have the perfect way
of truth and verity:
Thy judgments that most righteous are
before me laid have I.
31I to thy testimonies cleave;
shame do not on me cast.
32I'll run thy precepts' way, when thou
my heart enlarged hast.
He, The 5th Part.
33Teach me, O Lord, the perfect way
of thy precepts divine,
And to observe it to the end
I shall my heart incline.
34Give understanding unto me,
so keep thy law shall I;
Yea, ev'n with my whole heart I shall
observe it carefully.
35In thy law's path make me to go;
for I delight therein.
36My heart unto thy testimonies,
and not to greed, incline.
37Turn thou away my sight and eyes
from viewing vanity;
And in thy good and holy way
be pleas'd to quicken me.
38Confirm to me thy gracious word,
which I did gladly hear,
Ev'n to thy servant, Lord, who is
devoted to thy fear.
39Turn thou away my fear'd reproach;
for good thy judgments be.
40Lo, for thy precepts I have long'd;
in thy truth quicken me.
Vau, The 6th Part.
41Let thy sweet mercies also come
and visit me, O Lord;
Ev'n thy benign salvation,
according to thy word.
42So shall I have wherewith I may
give him an answer just,
Who spitefully reproacheth me;
for in thy word I trust.
43The word of truth out of my mouth
take thou not utterly;
For on thy judgments righteous
my hope doth still rely.
44So shall I keep for evermore
thy law continually.
45And, sith that I thy precepts seek,
I'll walk at liberty.
46I'll speak thy word to kings,
and I with shame shall not be mov'd;
47And will delight myself always
in thy laws, which I lov'd.
48To thy commandments, which I lov'd,
my hands lift up I will;
And I will also meditate
upon thy statutes still.
Zain, The 7th Part.
49Remember, Lord, thy gracious word
thou to thy servant spake,
Which, for a ground of my sure hope,
thou causedst me to take.
50This word of thine my comfort is
in mine affliction:
For in my straits I am reviv'd
by this thy word alone.
51The men whose hearts with pride are stuff'd
did greatly me deride;
Yet from thy straight commandements
I have not turn'd aside.
52Thy judgments righteous, O Lord,
which thou of old forth gave,
I did remember, and myself
by them comforted have.
53Horror took hold on me, because
ill men thy law forsake.
54I in my house of pilgrimage
thy laws my songs do make.
55Thy name by night, Lord, I did mind,
and I have kept thy law.
56And this I had, because thy word
I kept, and stood in awe.
Cheth, The 8th Part.
57Thou my sure portion art alone,
which I did chuse, O Lord:
I have resolv'd, and said, that I
would keep thy holy word.
58With my whole heart I did entreat
thy face and favour free:
According to thy gracious word
be merciful to me.
59I thought upon my former ways,
and did my life well try;
And to thy testimonies pure
my feet then turned I.
60I did not stay, nor linger long,
as those that slothful are;
But hastily thy laws to keep
myself I did prepare.
61Bands of ill men me robb'd; yet I
thy precepts did not slight.
62I'll rise at midnight thee to praise,
ev'n for thy judgments right.
63I am companion to all those
who fear, and thee obey.
64O Lord, thy mercy fills the earth:
teach me thy laws, I pray.
Teth, The 9th Part.
65Well hast thou with thy servant dealt,
as thou didst promise give.
66Good judgment me, and knowledge teach,
for I thy word believe.
67Ere I afflicted was I stray'd;
but now I keep thy word.
68Both good thou art, and good thou do'st:
teach me thy statutes, Lord.
69The men that are puff 'd up with pride
against me forg'd a lie;
Yet thy commandements observe
with my whole heart will I.
70Their hearts, through worldly ease and wealth,
as fat as grease they be:
But in thy holy law I take
delight continually.
71It hath been very good for me
that I afflicted was,
That I might well instructed be,
and learn thy holy laws.
72The word that cometh from thy mouth
is better unto me
Than many thousands and great sums
of gold and silver be.
Jod, The 10th Part.
73Thou mad'st and fashion'dst me: thy laws
to know give wisdom, Lord.
74So who thee fear shall joy to see
me trusting in thy word.
75That very right thy judgments are
I know, and do confess;
And that thou hast afflicted me
in truth and faithfulness.
76O let thy kindness merciful,
I pray thee, comfort me,
As to thy servant faithfully
was promised by thee.
77And let thy tender mercies come
to me, that I may live;
Because thy holy laws to me
sweet delectation give.
78Lord, let the proud ashamed be;
for they, without a cause,
With me perversely dealt: but I
will muse upon thy laws.
79Let such as fear thee, and have known
thy statutes, turn to me.
80My heart let in thy laws be sound,
that sham'd I never be.
Caph, The 11th Part.
81My soul for thy salvation faints;
yet I thy word believe.
82Mine eyes fail for thy word: I say,
When wilt thou comfort give?
83For like a bottle I'm become,
that in the smoke is set:
I'm black, and parch'd with grief; yet I
thy statutes not forget.
84How many are thy servant's days?
when wilt thou execute
Just judgment on these wicked men
that do me persecute?
85The proud have digged pits for me,
which is against thy laws.
86Thy words all faithful are: help me,
pursu'd without a cause.
87They so consum'd me, that on earth
my life they scarce did leave:
Thy precepts yet forsook I not,
but close to them did cleave.
88After thy loving-kindness, Lord,
me quicken, and preserve:
The testimony of thy mouth
so shall I still observe.
Lamed, The 12th Part.
89Thy word for ever is, O Lord,
in heaven settled fast;
90Unto all generations
thy faithfulness doth last:
The earth thou hast established,
and it abides by thee.
91This day they stand as thou ordain'dst;
for all thy servants be.
92Unless in thy most perfect law
my soul delights had found,
I should have perished, when as
my troubles did abound.
93Thy precepts I will ne'er forget;
they quick'ning to me brought.
94Lord, I am thine; O save thou me:
thy precepts I have sought.
95For me the wicked have laid wait,
me seeking to destroy:
But I thy testimonies true
consider will with joy.
96An end of all perfection
here have I seen, O God:
But as for thy commandement,
it is exceeding broad.
Mem, The 13th Part.
97O how love I thy law! it is
my study all the day:
98It makes me wiser than my foes;
for it doth with me stay.
99Than all my teachers now I have
more understanding far;
Because my meditation
thy testimonies are.
100In understanding I excel
those that are ancients;
For I endeavoured to keep
all thy commandements.
101My feet from each ill way I stay'd,
that I may keep thy word.
102I from thy judgments have not swerv'd;
for thou hast taught me, Lord.
103How sweet unto my taste, O Lord,
are all thy words of truth!
Yea, I do find them sweeter far
than honey to my mouth.
104I through thy precepts, that are pure,
do understanding get;
I therefore ev'ry way that's false
with all my heart do hate.
Nun, The 14th Part.
105Thy word is to my feet a lamp,
and to my path a light.
106I sworn have, and I will perform,
to keep thy judgments right.
107I am with sore affliction
ev'n overwhelm'd, O Lord:
In mercy raise and quicken me,
according to thy word.
108The free-will-off 'rings of my mouth
accept, I thee beseech:
And unto me thy servant, Lord,
thy judgments clearly teach.
109Though still my soul be in my hand,
thy laws I'll not forget.
110I err'd not from them, though for me
the wicked snares did set.
111I of thy testimonies have
above all things made choice,
To be my heritage for aye;
for they my heart rejoice.
112I carefully inclined have
my heart still to attend;
That I thy statutes may perform
alway unto the end.
Samech, The 15th Part.
113I hate the thoughts of vanity,
but love thy law do I.
114My shield and hiding-place thou art:
I on thy word rely.
115All ye that evil-doers are
from me depart away;
For the commandments of my God
I purpose to obey.
116According to thy faithful word
uphold and stablish me,
That I may live, and of my hope
ashamed never be.
117Hold thou me up, so shall I be
in peace and safety still;
And to thy statutes have respect
continually I will.
118Thou tread'st down all that love to stray;
false their deceit doth prove.
119Lewd men, like dross, away thou putt'st;
therefore thy law I love.
120For fear of thee my very flesh
doth tremble, all dismay'd;
And of thy righteous judgments, Lord,
my soul is much afraid.
Ain, The 16th Part.
121To all men I have judgment done,
performing justice right;
Then let me not be left unto my fierce oppressors' might.
122For good unto thy servant, Lord,
thy servant's surety be:
From the oppression of the proud
do thou deliver me.
123Mine eyes do fail with looking long
for thy salvation,
The word of thy pure righteousness
while I do wait upon.
124In mercy with thy servant deal,
thy laws me teach and show.
125I am thy servant, wisdom give,
that I thy laws may know.
126'Tis time thou work, Lord; for they have
made void thy law divine.
127Therefore thy precepts more I love
than gold, yea, gold most fine.
128Concerning all things thy commands
all right I judge therefore;
And ev'ry false and wicked way
I perfectly abhor.
Pe, The 17th Part.
129Thy statutes, Lord, are wonderful,
my soul them keeps with care.
130The entrance of thy words gives light,
makes wise who simple are.
131My mouth I have wide opened,
and panted earnestly,
While after thy commandements
I long'd exceedingly.
132Look on me, Lord, and merciful
do thou unto me prove,
As thou art wont to do to those thy name who truly love.
133O let my footsteps in thy word
aright still order'd be:
Let no iniquity obtain
dominion over me.
134From man's oppression save thou me;
so keep thy laws I will.
135Thy face make on thy servant shine;
teach me thy statutes still.
136Rivers of waters from mine eyes
did run down, when I saw
How wicked men run on in sin,
and do not keep thy law.
Tzaddi, The 18th Part.
137O Lord, thou art most righteous;
thy judgments are upright.
138Thy testimonies thou command'st
most faithful are and right.
139My zeal hath ev'n consumed me,
because mine enemies
Thy holy words forgotten have,
and do thy laws despise.
140Thy word's most pure, therefore on it
thy servant's love is set.
141Small, and despis'd I am, yet I
thy precepts not forget.
142Thy righteousness is righteousness
which ever doth endure:
Thy holy law, Lord, also is
the very truth most pure.
143Trouble and anguish have me found,
and taken hold on me:
Yet in my trouble my delight
thy just commandments be.
144Eternal righteousness is in
thy testimonies all:
Lord, to me understanding give,
and ever live I shall.
Koph, The 19th Part.
145With my whole heart I cry'd, Lord, hear;
I will thy word obey.
146I cry'd to thee; save me, and I
will keep thy laws alway.
147I of the morning did prevent
the dawning, and did cry:
For all mine expectation
did on thy word rely.
148Mine eyes did timeously prevent
the watches of the night,
That in thy word with careful mind
then meditate I might.
149After thy loving-kindness hear
my voice, that calls on thee:
According to thy judgment, Lord,
revive and quicken me.
150Who follow mischief they draw nigh;
they from thy law are far:
151But thou art near, Lord; most firm truth
all thy commandments are.
152As for thy testimonies all,
of old this have I try'd,
That thou hast surely founded them
for ever to abide.
Resh, The 20th Part.
153Consider mine affliction,
in safety do me set:
Deliver me, O Lord, for I
thy law do not forget.
154After thy word revive thou me: save me,
and plead my cause.
155Salvation is from sinners far;
for they seek not thy laws.
156O Lord, both great and manifold
thy tender mercies be:
According to thy judgments just,
revive and quicken me.
157My persecutors many are,
and foes that do combine;
Yet from thy testimonies pure
my heart doth not decline.
158I saw transgressors, and was griev'd;
for they keep not thy word.
159See how I love thy law! as thou
art kind, me quicken, Lord.
160From the beginning all thy word
hath been most true and sure:
Thy righteous judgments ev'ry one
for evermore endure.
Schin, The 21st Part.
161Princes have persecuted me,
although no cause they saw:
But still of thy most holy word
my heart doth stand in awe.
162I at thy word rejoice, as one
of spoil that finds great store.
163Thy law I love; but lying all
I hate and do abhor.
164Sev'n times a-day it is my care
to give due praise to thee;
Because of all thy judgments, Lord,
which righteous ever be.
165Great peace have they who love thy law;
offence they shall have none.
166I hop'd for thy salvation, Lord,
and thy commands have done.
167My soul thy testimonies pure
observed carefully;
On them my heart is set, and them
I love exceedingly.
168Thy testimonies and thy laws
I kept with special care;
For all my works and ways each one
before thee open are.
Tau, The 22nd Part.
169O let my earnest pray'r and cry
come near before thee, Lord:
Give understanding unto me,
according to thy word.
170Let my request before thee come:
after thy word me free.
171My lips shall utter praise, when thou
hast taught thy laws to me.
172My tongue of thy most blessed word
shall speak, and it confess;
Because all thy commandements
are perfect righteousness.
173Let thy strong hand make help to me:
thy precepts are my choice.
174I long'd for thy salvation, Lord,
and in thy law rejoice.
175O let my soul live, and it shall
give praises unto thee;
And let thy judgments gracious
be helpful unto me.
176I, like a lost sheep, went astray;
thy servant seek, and find:
For thy commands I suffer'd not
to slip out of my mind.
Currently Selected:
Psalms 119: MP1650
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
maintained by the British and Foreign Bible Society
Psalms 119
119
1-8You’re blessed when you stay on course,
walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
don’t ever walk off and leave me.
* * *
9-16How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips
all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
I attentively watch how you’ve done it.
I relish everything you’ve told me of life,
I won’t forget a word of it.
* * *
17-24Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’m a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
I’ve been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors!
* * *
25-32I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded;
train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out
so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
God, don’t let me down!
I’ll run the course you lay out for me
if you’ll just show me how.
* * *
33-40 God, teach me lessons for living
so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom,
and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways!
* * *
41-48Let your love, God, shape my life
with salvation, exactly as you promised;
Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery
because I trusted your Word.
Don’t ever deprive me of truth, not ever—
your commandments are what I depend on.
Oh, I’ll guard with my life what you’ve revealed to me,
guard it now, guard it ever;
And I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces
as I look for your truth and your wisdom;
Then I’ll tell the world what I find,
speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.
I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!—
relishing every fragment of your counsel.
* * *
49-56Remember what you said to me, your servant—
I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times;
yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
The haters hate me without mercy,
but I don’t budge from your revelation.
I watch for your ancient landmark words,
and know I’m on the right track.
But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,
I’m beside myself with anger.
I set your instructions to music
and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
I meditate on your name all night, God,
treasuring your revelation, O God.
Still, I walk through a rain of derision
because I live by your Word and counsel.
* * *
57-64Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise
to do everything you say.
I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile,
be gracious to me just as you promised.
When I took a long, careful look at your ways,
I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.
I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet,
was quick to follow your orders.
The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out—
but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;
your decisions are so right, so true—I can’t wait till morning!
I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you,
of those committed to living by your rules.
Your love, God, fills the earth!
Train me to live by your counsel.
* * *
65-72Be good to your servant, God;
be as good as your Word.
Train me in good common sense;
I’m thoroughly committed to living your way.
Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
but now I’m in step with your Word.
You are good, and the source of good;
train me in your goodness.
The godless spread lies about me,
but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
They’re bland as a bucket of lard,
while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
My troubles turned out all for the best—
they forced me to learn from your textbook.
Truth from your mouth means more to me
than striking it rich in a gold mine.
* * *
73-80With your very own hands you formed me;
now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,
those who fear you will take heart and be glad.
I can see now, God, that your decisions are right;
your testing has taught me what’s true and right.
Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight!
just the way you promised.
Now comfort me so I can live, really live;
your revelation is the tune I dance to.
Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;
they tried to sell me a bill of goods,
but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.
Let those who fear you turn to me
for evidence of your wise guidance.
And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,
so I can always walk with my head held high.
* * *
81-88I’m homesick—longing for your salvation;
I’m waiting for your word of hope.
My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;
how long must I wait for your comfort?
There’s smoke in my eyes—they burn and water,
but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.
How long do I have to put up with all this?
How long till you haul my tormentors into court?
The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,
ignorant as they are of God and his ways.
Everything you command is a sure thing,
but they harass me with lies. Help!
They’ve pushed and pushed—they never let up—
but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.
In your great love revive me
so I can alertly obey your every word.
* * *
89-96What you say goes, God,
and stays, as permanent as the heavens.
Your truth never goes out of fashion;
it’s as relevant as the earth when the sun comes up.
Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;
that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going.
If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so,
I would have given up when the hard times came.
But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me;
you saved my life with those wise words.
Save me! I’m all yours.
I look high and low for your words of wisdom.
The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
but I’m only concerned with your plans for me.
I see the limits to everything human,
but the horizons can’t contain your commands!
* * *
97-104Oh, how I love all you’ve revealed;
I reverently ponder it all the day long.
Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;
they never become obsolete.
I’ve even become smarter than my teachers
since I’ve pondered and absorbed your counsel.
I’ve become wiser than the wise old sages
simply by doing what you tell me.
I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil
so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.
I never make detours from the route you laid out;
you gave me such good directions.
Your words are so choice, so tasty;
I prefer them to the best home cooking.
With your instruction, I understand life;
that’s why I hate false propaganda.
* * *
105-112By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Adorn me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
* * *
113-120I hate the two-faced,
but I love your clear-cut revelation.
You’re my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me.
Get out of my life, evildoers,
so I can keep my God’s commands.
Take my side as you promised; I’ll live then for sure.
Don’t disappoint all my grand hopes.
Stick with me and I’ll be all right;
I’ll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.
Expose all who drift away from your sayings;
their casual idolatry is lethal.
You reject earth’s wicked as so much rubbish;
therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.
I shiver in awe before you;
your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.
* * *
121-128I stood up for justice and the right;
don’t leave me to the mercy of my oppressors.
Take the side of your servant, good God;
don’t let the godless take advantage of me.
I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you
to keep your promise to set everything right.
Let your love dictate how you deal with me;
teach me from your textbook on life.
I’m your servant—help me understand what that means,
the inner meaning of your instructions.
It’s time to act, God;
they’ve made a shambles of your revelation!
Yea-Saying God, I love what you command,
I love it better than gold and gemstones;
Yea-Saying God, I honor everything you tell me,
I despise every deceitful detour.
* * *
129-136Every word you give me is a miracle word—
how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.
I cry rivers of tears
because nobody’s living by your book!
* * *
137-144You are right and you do right, God;
your decisions are right on target.
You rightly instruct us in how to live
ever faithful to you.
My rivals nearly did me in,
they persistently ignored your commandments.
Your promise has been tested through and through,
and I, your servant, love it dearly.
I’m too young to be important,
but I don’t forget what you tell me.
Your righteousness is eternally right,
your revelation is the only truth.
Even though troubles came down on me hard,
your commands always gave me delight.
The way you tell me to live is always right;
help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.
* * *
145-152I call out at the top of my lungs,
“God! Answer! I’ll do whatever you say.”
I called to you, “Save me
so I can carry out all your instructions.”
I was up before sunrise,
crying for help, hoping for a word from you.
I stayed awake all night,
prayerfully pondering your promise.
In your love, listen to me;
in your justice, God, keep me alive.
As those out to get me come closer and closer,
they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal;
But you’re the closest of all to me, God,
and all your judgments true.
I’ve known all along from the evidence of your words
that you meant them to last forever.
* * *
153-160Take a good look at my trouble, and help me—
I haven’t forgotten your revelation.
Take my side and get me out of this;
give me back my life, just as you promised.
“Salvation” is only gibberish to the wicked
because they’ve never looked it up in your dictionary.
Your mercies, God, run into the billions;
following your guidelines, revive me.
My antagonists are too many to count,
but I don’t swerve from the directions you gave.
I took one look at the quitters and was filled with loathing;
they walked away from your promises so casually!
Take note of how I love what you tell me;
out of your life of love, prolong my life.
Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth.
Your righteous decisions are eternal.
* * *
161-168I’ve been slandered unmercifully by the politicians,
but my awe at your words keeps me stable.
I’m ecstatic over what you say,
like one who strikes it rich.
I hate lies—can’t stand them!—
but I love what you have revealed.
Seven times each day I stop and shout praises
for the way you keep everything running right.
For those who love what you reveal, everything fits—
no stumbling around in the dark for them.
I wait expectantly for your salvation;
God, I do what you tell me.
My soul guards and keeps all your instructions—
oh, how much I love them!
I follow your directions, abide by your counsel;
my life’s an open book before you.
* * *
169-176Let my cry come right into your presence, God;
provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
Give my request your personal attention,
rescue me on the terms of your promise.
Let praise cascade off my lips;
after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life!
And let your promises ring from my tongue;
every order you’ve given is right.
Put your hand out and steady me
since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel.
I’m homesick, God, for your salvation;
I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.
Currently Selected:
:
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of NavPress. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers.