Psalm 119:129–176

Desire to Obey the Law of the

¹²⁹Your teachings are wonderful;

I obey them with all my heart.

¹³⁰The explanation of your teachings gives light

and brings wisdom to the ignorant.

¹³¹In my desire for your commands

I pant with open mouth.

¹³²Turn to me and have mercy on me

as you do on all those who love you.

¹³³As you have promised, keep me from falling;

don’t let me be overcome by evil.

¹³⁴Save me from those who oppress me,

so that I may obey your commands.

¹³⁵Bless me with your presence

and teach me your laws.

¹³⁶My tears pour down like a river,

because people do not obey your law.

The Justice of the Law of the

¹³⁷You are righteous, Lord,

and your laws are just.

¹³⁸The rules that you have given

are completely fair and right.

¹³⁹My anger burns in me like a fire,

because my enemies disregard your commands.

¹⁴⁰How certain your promise is!

How I love it!

¹⁴¹I am unimportant and despised,

but I do not neglect your teachings.

¹⁴²Your righteousness will last for ever,

and your law is always true.

¹⁴³I am filled with trouble and anxiety,

but your commandments bring me joy.

¹⁴⁴Your instructions are always just;

give me understanding, and I shall live.

A Prayer for Deliverance

¹⁴⁵With all my heart I call to you;

answer me, Lord, and I will obey your commands!

¹⁴⁶I call to you;

save me, and I will keep your laws.

¹⁴⁷Before sunrise I call to you for help;

I place my hope in your promise.

¹⁴⁸All night long I lie awake,

to meditate on your instructions.

¹⁴⁹Because your love is constant, hear me, O Lord;

show your mercy, and preserve my life!

¹⁵⁰My cruel persecutors are coming closer,

people who never keep your law.

¹⁵¹But you are near to me, Lord,

and all your commands are permanent.

¹⁵²Long ago I learnt about your instructions;

you made them to last for ever.

A Plea for Help

¹⁵³Look at my suffering, and save me,

because I have not neglected your law.

¹⁵⁴Defend my cause, and set me free;

save me, as you have promised.

¹⁵⁵The wicked will not be saved,

for they do not obey your laws.

¹⁵⁶But your compassion, Lord, is great;

show your mercy and save me!

¹⁵⁷I have many enemies and oppressors,

but I do not fail to obey your laws.

¹⁵⁸When I look at those traitors, I am filled with disgust,

because they do not keep your commands.

¹⁵⁹See how I love your instructions, Lord.

Your love never changes, so save me!

¹⁶⁰The heart of your law is truth,

and all your righteous judgements are eternal.

Dedication to the Law of the

¹⁶¹Powerful people attack me unjustly,

but I respect your law.

¹⁶²How happy I am because of your promises—

as happy as someone who finds rich treasure.

¹⁶³I hate and detest all lies,

but I love your law.

¹⁶⁴Seven times each day I thank you

for your righteous judgements.

¹⁶⁵Those who love your law have perfect security,

and there is nothing that can make them fall.

¹⁶⁶I wait for you to save me, Lord,

and I do what you command.

¹⁶⁷I obey your teachings;

I love them with all my heart.

¹⁶⁸I obey your commands and your instructions;

you see everything I do.

A Prayer for Help

¹⁶⁹Let my cry for help reach you, Lord!

Give me understanding, as you have promised.

¹⁷⁰Listen to my prayer,

and save me according to your promise!

¹⁷¹I will always praise you,

because you teach me your laws.

¹⁷²I will sing about your law,

because your commands are just.

¹⁷³Always be ready to help me,

because I follow your commands.

¹⁷⁴How I long for your saving help, O Lord!

I find happiness in your law.

¹⁷⁵Give me life, so that I may praise you;

may your instructions help me.

¹⁷⁶I wander about like a lost sheep;

so come and look for me, your servant,

because I have not neglected your laws.