I want to do what pleases you, my God. Your law dominates my thoughts.”

They did not keep their covenant with God, and they refused to obey his law.

The ropes of the wicked tighten around me, but I do not forget your law.

May I experience your compassion, so I might live! For I find delight in your law.

If I had not found encouragement in your law, I would have died in my sorrow.

It is time for the Lord to act – they break your law!

How blessed is the one whom you instruct, O Lord, the one whom you teach from your law,

א (Alef) How blessed are those whose actions are blameless, who obey the law of the Lord.

Give me understanding so that I might observe your law, and keep it with all my heart.

Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me. Yet I do not turn aside from your law.

The law you have revealed is more important to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

Cruel rulers are not your allies, those who make oppressive laws.

The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life. The rules set down by the Lord are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.

He established a rule in Jacob; he set up a law in Israel. He commanded our ancestors to make his deeds known to their descendants,

But the Lord does not surrender the godly, or allow them to be condemned in a court of law.

Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night.

For observing the festival is a requirement for Israel; it is an ordinance given by the God of Jacob.

He proclaims his word to Jacob, his statutes and regulations to Israel.

He gave it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as a lasting promise,

With my lips I proclaim all the regulations you have revealed.