Psalm 119:1-32

Common English Bible

119 Those whose way is blameless—
    who walk in the Lord’s Instruction—are truly happy!
² Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy!
    They seek God with all their hearts.
³ They don’t even do anything wrong!
    They walk in God’s ways.
⁴ God, you have ordered that your decrees
    should be kept most carefully.
⁵ How I wish my ways were strong
    when it comes to keeping your statutes!
⁶ Then I wouldn’t be ashamed
    when I examine all your commandments.
⁷ I will give thanks to you with a heart that does right
    as I learn your righteous rules.
⁸ I will keep your statutes.
    Please don’t leave me all alone!

⁹ How can young people keep their paths pure?
    By guarding them according to what you’ve said.^[b]
10 I have sought you with all my heart.
    Don’t let me stray from any of your commandments!
¹¹ I keep your word close, in my heart,
    so that I won’t sin against you.
¹² You, Lord, are to be blessed!
    Teach me your statutes.
¹³ I will declare out loud
    all the rules you have spoken.
¹⁴ I rejoice in the content of your laws
    as if I were rejoicing over great wealth.
¹⁵ I will think about your precepts
    and examine all your paths.
¹⁶ I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget what you have said.

¹⁷ Be good to your servant so I can go on living
        and keeping your word.
¹⁸ Open my eyes so I can examine
        the wonders of your Instruction!
¹⁹ I’m an immigrant in the land.
    Don’t hide your commandments from me!
²⁰ I’m worn out by longing
    every minute for your rules!
²¹ You rebuke the arrogant, accursed people
    who stray from your commandments.
²² Take all their insults and contempt away from me
    because I’ve kept your laws!
²³ Even if rulers gather and scheme against me,
    your servant will contemplate your statutes!
²⁴ Yes, your laws are my joy—
    they are my most trusted advisors!

²⁵ My life is stuck in the dirt.
    Now make me live again according to your promise!
²⁶ I confessed my ways and you answered me.
    Now teach me your statutes!
²⁷ Help me understand what your precepts are about
    so I can contemplate your wondrous works!
²⁸ My spirit sags because of grief.
    Now raise me up according to your promise!
²⁹ Remove all false ways from me;
    show mercy to me by means of your Instruction.
³⁰ I’ve chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I’m set on your rules.
³¹ I’m holding tight to your laws, Lord.
    Please don’t let me be put to shame.
³² I run the same path as your commandments
    because you give my heart insight.