Psalm 119:1–24

^1–8119You’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!