Psalm 119:1–72

Aleph*

1 Joyful are people of integrity,

who follow the instructions of the Lord.

2 Joyful are those who obey his laws

and search for him with all their hearts.

3 They do not compromise with evil,

and they walk only in his paths.

4 You have charged us

to keep your commandments carefully.

5 Oh, that my actions would consistently

reflect your decrees!

6 Then I will not be ashamed

when I compare my life with your commands.

7 As I learn your righteous regulations,

I will thank you by living as I should!

8 I will obey your decrees.

Please don’t give up on me!

Beth

9 How can a young person stay pure?

By obeying your word.

10 I have tried hard to find you—

don’t let me wander from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

12 I praise you, O Lord;

teach me your decrees.

13 I have recited aloud

all the regulations you have given us.

14 I have rejoiced in your laws

as much as in riches.

15 I will study your commandments

and reflect on your ways.

16 I will delight in your decrees

and not forget your word.

Gimel

17 Be good to your servant,

that I may live and obey your word.

18 Open my eyes to see

the wonderful truths in your instructions.

19 I am only a foreigner in the land.

Don’t hide your commands from me!

20 I am always overwhelmed

with a desire for your regulations.

21 You rebuke the arrogant;

those who wander from your commands are cursed.

22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me,

for I have obeyed your laws.

23 Even princes sit and speak against me,

but I will meditate on your decrees.

24 Your laws please me;

they give me wise advice.

Daleth

25 I lie in the dust;

revive me by your word.

26 I told you my plans, and you answered.

Now teach me your decrees.

27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,

and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

28 I weep with sorrow;

encourage me by your word.

29 Keep me from lying to myself;

give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.

30 I have chosen to be faithful;

I have determined to live by your regulations.

31 I cling to your laws.

Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!

32 I will pursue your commands,

for you expand my understanding.

He

33 Teach me your decrees, O Lord;

I will keep them to the end.

34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;

I will put them into practice with all my heart.

35 Make me walk along the path of your commands,

for that is where my happiness is found.

36 Give me an eagerness for your laws

rather than a love for money!

37 Turn my eyes from worthless things,

and give me life through your word.*

38 Reassure me of your promise,

made to those who fear you.

39 Help me abandon my shameful ways;

for your regulations are good.

40 I long to obey your commandments!

Renew my life with your goodness.

Waw

41 Lord, give me your unfailing love,

the salvation that you promised me.

42 Then I can answer those who taunt me,

for I trust in your word.

43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me,

for your regulations are my only hope.

44 I will keep on obeying your instructions

forever and ever.

45 I will walk in freedom,

for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

46 I will speak to kings about your laws,

and I will not be ashamed.

47 How I delight in your commands!

How I love them!

48 I honor and love your commands.

I meditate on your decrees.

Zayin

49 Remember your promise to me;

it is my only hope.

50 Your promise revives me;

it comforts me in all my troubles.

51 The proud hold me in utter contempt,

but I do not turn away from your instructions.

52 I meditate on your age-old regulations;

O Lord, they comfort me.

53 I become furious with the wicked,

because they reject your instructions.

54 Your decrees have been the theme of my songs

wherever I have lived.

55 I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord;

therefore, I obey your instructions.

56 This is how I spend my life:

obeying your commandments.

Heth

57 Lord, you are mine!

I promise to obey your words!

58 With all my heart I want your blessings.

Be merciful as you promised.

59 I pondered the direction of my life,

and I turned to follow your laws.

60 I will hurry, without delay,

to obey your commands.

61 Evil people try to drag me into sin,

but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.

62 I rise at midnight to thank you

for your just regulations.

63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you—

anyone who obeys your commandments.

64 O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth;

teach me your decrees.

Teth

65 You have done many good things for me, Lord,

just as you promised.

66 I believe in your commands;

now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me;

but now I closely follow your word.

68 You are good and do only good;

teach me your decrees.

69 Arrogant people smear me with lies,

but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.

70 Their hearts are dull and stupid,

but I delight in your instructions.

71 My suffering was good for me,

for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

72 Your instructions are more valuable to me

than millions in gold and silver.