DELIGHT IN GOD’S WORD

א Aleph

1 HowA happy are those whose way is blameless,b

who walk according to the Lord’s instruction!c

2 Happy are those who keep his decreesd

and seek him with all their heart.e

3 They do nothing wrong;f

they walk in his ways.

4 You have commanded that your preceptsg

be diligently kept.

5 If only my ways were committed

to keeping your statutes!h

6 Then I would not be ashamedi

when I think about all your commands.

7 I will praise you with an upright heartj

when I learn your righteous judgments.

8 I will keep your statutes;

never abandon me.k

ב Beth

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping yourB word.l

10 I have sought you with all my heart;m

don’t let me wander from your commands.n

11 I have treasured your word in my hearto

so that I may not sin against you.

12 Lord, may you be blessed;

teach me your statutes.p

13 With my lips I proclaim

all the judgments from your mouth.q

14 I rejoice in the way revealed by your decreesr

as much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate on your preceptss

and think about your ways.t

16 I will delight in your statutes;u

I will not forget your word.

ג Gimel

17 Deal generously with your servantv

so that I might live;

then I will keep your word.

18 Open my eyes so that I may contemplate

wondrous things from your instruction.

19 I am a resident alien on earth;w

do not hide your commands from me.

20 I am continually overcome

with longing for your judgments.x

21 You rebuke the arrogant,

the ones under a curse,y

who wander from your commands.z

22 Take insult and contempt away from me,aa

for I have kept your decrees.

23 Though princes sit together speaking against me,ab

your servant will think about your statutes;ac

24 your decrees are my delight

and my counselors.ad

ד Daleth

25 My life is down in the dust;ae

give me lifeaf through your word.

26 I told you about my life,

and you answered me;

teach me your statutes.ag

27 Help me understand

the meaning of your precepts

so that I can meditate on your wonders.ah

28 I am wearyC from grief;

strengthen me through your word.ai

29 Keep me from the way of deceit

and graciously give me your instruction.

30 I have chosen the way of truth;

I have set your ordinances before me.aj

31 I cling to your decrees;

Lord, do not put me to shame.ak

32 I pursue the way of your commands,

for you broaden my understanding.D,al

ה He

33 Teach me, Lord, the meaningE of your statutes,

and I will always keep them.F,am

34 Help me understand your instruction,an

and I will obey it

and follow it with all my heart.a

35 Help me stay on the path of your commands,b

for I take pleasure in it.c

36 Turn my heart to your decreesd

and not to dishonest profit.e

37 Turn my eyes

from looking at what is worthless;f

give me life in your ways.A,g

38 Confirm what you said to your servant,h

for it produces reverence for you.

39 Turn away the disgrace I dread;i

indeed, your judgments are good.

40 How I long for your precepts!j

Give me life through your righteousness.

ו Waw

41 Let your faithful love come to me, Lord,k

your salvation, as you promised.l

42 Then I can answer the one who taunts me,m

for I trust in your word.

43 Never take the word of truth from my mouth,

for I hope in your judgments.n

44 I will always obey your instruction,

forever and ever.o

45 I will walk freely in an open placep

because I study your precepts.q

46 I will speak of your decrees before kings

and not be ashamed.r

47 I delight in your commands,

which I love.s

48 I will lift up my handst to your commands,

which I love,

and will meditate on your statutes.u