Psalms 119:47-96

⁴⁷I'm so happy for your instructions. I love them!

⁴⁸I lift up my hands in prayer, honoring your commandments. I will think deeply about all you say.

⁴⁹Zayin Remember your promise to me, your servant. It's my only hope.

⁵⁰This is what brings me encouragement in my misery—your promise keeps me going!

⁵¹Arrogant people mock me terribly, but I don't give up on your teachings.

⁵²I think about the instructions you gave long ago, Lord, and they reassure me.

⁵³I am angry with the wicked because they have rejected your law.

⁵⁴Your instructions have been music to my ears wherever I have lived.

⁵⁵At night I think about the kind of person you are, Lord, and do what you say.

⁵⁶For this is how I live my life—by following your principles.

⁵⁷Heth Lord, you are mine! I have promised to do as you say.

⁵⁸My whole being wants your blessing—please be kind to me, as you have promised!

⁵⁹As I think about my life, I turn to follow what you have said.

⁶⁰I hurry to keep your commandments without delay

⁶¹Even though wicked people try to tie me up, I won't forget your instructions.

⁶²I get up in the middle of the night to thank you for your good laws.

⁶³I identify with all those who follow you, those who do what you tell them.

⁶⁴Lord, you love everyone on earth; please teach me what to do.

⁶⁵Teth Lord, you have been so good to me, your servant, as you have promised.

⁶⁶Now teach me wise judgment and discernment because I believe in your instructions.

⁶⁷Previously I was suffering, wandering away from you, but now I do what you say.

⁶⁸Since you are good, everything you do is good. Teach me your ways.

⁶⁹Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies; but I whole-heartedly follow your commands.

⁷⁰They are cold and unfeeling, but I love your law.

⁷¹The suffering I went through was good for me, so I could think about what you have stipulated.

⁷²What you tell me to do is worth more to me than much gold and silver.

⁷³Yodh You created me and made me what I am; help me to learn and better understand your commandments.

⁷⁴May those who worship you be happy when they see me, for I place my confidence in your word.

⁷⁵Lord, I know that what you decide is right; you brought me down in order to help me because you are trustworthy.

⁷⁶May your trustworthy love comfort me as your promised me, your servant.

⁷⁷Be compassionate to me so I may live, for I love your teachings.

⁷⁸Bring down those proud people who wronged me with their lies. I will spend time thinking about your instructions.

⁷⁹Let those who follow you turn to me, those who understand your laws.

⁸⁰May I be innocent in the way I keep your rules so that I won't be ashamed.

⁸¹Kaph I'm exhausted waiting for you to save me, but my hope is in your word.

⁸²I strain my eyes looking for you to keep your promises, asking “When will you comfort me?”

⁸³I've become like a wineskin that's been shriveled up by smoke, but I have not forgotten to do as you say.

⁸⁴How long do I have to wait before you punish my persecutors?

⁸⁵These arrogant people have dug pits to trap me, these people who don't care anything about your law.

⁸⁶All your commands are trustworthy. Help me against these people who persecute me with their lies!

⁸⁷They have almost killed me, but I have not given up on what you say.

⁸⁸Since you love me with your trustworthy love, don't let me die, so I can go on following the instructions you have given.

⁸⁹Lamedh Your word, Lord, lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.

⁹⁰Your faithfulness lasts for all generations, as permanent as the earth you created.

⁹¹Your judgments stand—they are as true today as ever—for everything serves your will.

⁹²If I didn't love your teachings, my suffering would have killed me.

⁹³I will never forget your instructions, for through them you give me life.

⁹⁴I belong to you, so please save me! I am committed to following your rules.

⁹⁵Even though wicked people are waiting to ambush and kill me, I will focus my mind on what you say.

⁹⁶I recognize that human perfection has its limits, but your law is limitless.