Psalms 119:54-97

⁵⁴Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I temporarily live.

⁵⁵I think about your name during the night, Yahweh, and I keep your law.

⁵⁶This has been my practice because I have observed your instructions.

⁵⁷Yahweh is my portion; I have determined to observe your words.

⁵⁸I earnestly request your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me, as your word promised.

⁵⁹I examined my ways and turned my feet to your covenant decrees.

⁶⁰I hurry and do not delay to keep your commandments.

⁶¹The cords of the wicked have ensnared me; I have not forgotten your law.

⁶²At midnight I rise to give thanks to you because of your righteous decrees.

⁶³I am a companion of all who honor you, to all who observe your instructions.

⁶⁴The earth, Yahweh, is full of your covenant faithfulness; teach me your statutes.

⁶⁵You have done good to your servant, Yahweh, by means of your word.

⁶⁶Teach me proper discernment and understanding, for I have believed in your commandments.

⁶⁷Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I observe your word.

⁶⁸You are good, and you are one who does good; teach me your statutes.

⁶⁹The arrogant have smeared me with lies, but I keep your instructions with my whole heart.

⁷⁰Their hearts are hardened, but I delight in your law.

⁷¹It is good for me that I have suffered so that I would learn your statutes.

⁷²Instruction from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

⁷³Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding so that I may learn your commandments.

⁷⁴Those who honor you will be glad when they see me because I find hope in your word.

⁷⁵I know, Yahweh, that your decrees are just, and that in faithfulness you afflicted me.

⁷⁶Let your covenant faithfulness comfort me, as you promised your servant.

⁷⁷Show me compassion so that I may live, for your law is my delight.

⁷⁸Let the proud be put to shame, for they have slandered me; but I will meditate on your instructions.

⁷⁹May those who honor you turn to me, those who know your covenant decrees.

⁸⁰May my heart be blameless with respect to your statutes so that I may not be put to shame.

⁸¹I faint with longing that you might rescue me! I hope in your word.

⁸²My eyes long to see your promise; when will you comfort me?

⁸³For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke; I do not forget your statutes.

⁸⁴How long must your servant endure this; when will you judge those who persecute me?

⁸⁵The proud have dug pits for me, defying your law.

⁸⁶All your commandments are reliable; those people persecute me wrongfully; help me.

⁸⁷They have almost made an end to me on earth, but I do not reject your instructions.

⁸⁸By your steadfast love, keep me alive, so that I may obey your commands.

⁸⁹Yahweh, your word stands forever; your word is established firmly in heaven.

⁹⁰Your faithfulness lasts for all generations; you have established the earth, and it remains.

⁹¹All things continue to this day, just as you said in your righteous decrees, for all things are your servants.

⁹²If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

⁹³I will never forget your instructions, for through them you have kept me alive.

⁹⁴I am yours; save me, for I seek your instructions.

⁹⁵The wicked prepare to destroy me, but I will seek to understand your covenant decrees.

⁹⁶I have seen that everything has its limits, but your commandments are broad, beyond limits.

⁹⁷Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.