Psalms 119:1-40

Psalm 119

א (Alef)

119:1 How blessed are those whose actions are blameless,

who obey the law of the Lord.

119:2 How blessed are those who observe his rules,

and seek him with all their heart,

119:3 who, moreover, do no wrong,

but follow in his footsteps.

119:4 You demand that your precepts

be carefully kept.

119:5 If only I were predisposed

to keep your statutes!

119:6 Then I would not be ashamed,

if I were focused on all your commands.

119:7 I will give you sincere thanks,

when I learn your just regulations.

119:8 I will keep your statutes.

Do not completely abandon me!

ב (Bet)

119:9 How can a young person maintain a pure life?

By guarding it according to your instructions!

119:10 With all my heart I seek you.

Do not allow me to stray from your commands!

119:11 In my heart I store up your words,

so I might not sin against you.

119:12 You deserve praise, O Lord!

Teach me your statutes!

119:13 With my lips I proclaim

all the regulations you have revealed.

119:14 I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules

as if they were riches of all kinds.

119:15 I will meditate on your precepts

and focus on your behavior.

119:16 I find delight in your statutes;

I do not forget your instructions.

ג (Gimel)

119:17 Be kind to your servant!

Then I will live and keep your instructions.

119:18 Open my eyes so I can truly see

the marvelous things in your law!

119:19 I am like a foreigner in this land.

Do not hide your commands from me!

119:20 I desperately long to know

your regulations at all times.

119:21 You reprimand arrogant people.

Those who stray from your commands are doomed.

119:22 Spare me shame and humiliation,

for I observe your rules.

119:23 Though rulers plot and slander me,

your servant meditates on your statutes.

119:24 Yes, I find delight in your rules;

they give me guidance.

ד (Dalet)

119:25 I collapse in the dirt.

Revive me with your word!

119:26 I told you about my ways and you answered me.

Teach me your statutes!

119:27 Help me to understand what your precepts mean!

Then I can meditate on your marvelous teachings.

119:28 I collapse from grief.

Sustain me by your word!

119:29 Remove me from the path of deceit!

Graciously give me your law!

119:30 I choose the path of faithfulness;

I am committed to your regulations.

119:31 I hold fast to your rules.

O Lord, do not let me be ashamed!

119:32 I run along the path of your commands,

for you enable me to do so.

ה (He)

119:33 Teach me, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes,

so that I might observe it continually.

119:34 Give me understanding so that I might observe your law,

and keep it with all my heart.

119:35 Guide me in the path of your commands,

for I delight to walk in it.

119:36 Give me a desire for your rules,

rather than for wealth gained unjustly.

119:37 Turn my eyes away from what is worthless!

Revive me with your word!

119:38 Confirm to your servant your promise,

which you made to the one who honors you.

119:39 Take away the insults that I dread!

Indeed, your regulations are good.

119:40 Look, I long for your precepts.

Revive me with your deliverance!