Psalm 119:65–88

Teth

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

just as you promised.

⁶⁶I believe in your commands;

now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

⁶⁷I used to wander off until you disciplined me;

but now I closely follow your word.

⁶⁸You are good and do only good;

teach me your decrees.

⁶⁹Arrogant people smear me with lies,

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

⁷⁰Their hearts are dull and stupid,

but I delight in your instructions.

⁷¹My suffering was good for me,

for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

⁷²Your instructions are more valuable to me

than millions in gold and silver.

Yodh

⁷³You made me; you created me.

Now give me the sense to follow your commands.

⁷⁴May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,

for I have put my hope in your word.

⁷⁵I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;

you disciplined me because I needed it.

⁷⁶Now let your unfailing love comfort me,

just as you promised me, your servant.

⁷⁷Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,

for your instructions are my delight.

⁷⁸Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;

meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.

⁷⁹Let me be united with all who fear you,

with those who know your laws.

⁸⁰May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;

then I will never be ashamed.

Kaph

⁸¹I am worn out waiting for your rescue,

but I have put my hope in your word.

⁸²My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.

When will you comfort me?

⁸³I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,

but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.

⁸⁴How long must I wait?

When will you punish those who persecute me?

⁸⁵These arrogant people who hate your instructions

have dug deep pits to trap me.

⁸⁶All your commands are trustworthy.

Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.

⁸⁷They almost finished me off,

but I refused to abandon your commandments.

⁸⁸In your unfailing love, spare my life;

then I can continue to obey your laws.