English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!
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You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
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You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.
3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
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That's right - you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.
4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
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You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
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Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set;
6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
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Then I'd never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
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I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
8 I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!
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I'm going to do what you tell me to do; don't ever walk off and leave me.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
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How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
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I'm single-minded in pursuit of you; don't let me miss the road signs you've posted.
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
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I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt.
12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!
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Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living.
13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
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I'll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
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I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
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I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you've done it.
16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
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I relish everything you've told me of life, I won't forget a word of it.
17 Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.
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Be generous with me and I'll live a full life; not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
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Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!
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I'm a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions.
20 My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.
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My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous! - insatiable for your nourishing commands.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.
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And those who think they know so much, ignoring everything you tell them - let them have it!
22 Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies.
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Don't let them mock and humiliate me; I've been careful to do just what you said.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
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While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me, I'm absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
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Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight; I listen to them as to good neighbors!
25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
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I'm feeling terrible - I couldn't feel worse! Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!
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When I told my story, you responded; train me well in your deep wisdom.
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
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Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!
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My sad life's dilapidated, a falling-down barn; build me up again by your Word.
29 Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!
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Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.
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I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!
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I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; God, don't let me down!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
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I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me how.
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
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God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
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Give me insight so I can do what you tell me - my whole life one long, obedient response.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
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Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway!
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
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Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
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Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
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Affirm your promises to me - promises made to all who fear you.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.
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Deflect the harsh words of my critics - but what you say is always so good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
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See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;
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Let your love, God, shape my life with salvation, exactly as you promised;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
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Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted your Word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.
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Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever - your commandments are what I depend on.
44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever,
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Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever;
45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.
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And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom;
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,
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Then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.
47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.
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I cherish your commandments - oh, how I love them! -
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
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relishing every fragment of your counsel.
49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.
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Remember what you said to me, your servant - I hang on to these words for dear life!
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.
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These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
51 The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.
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The insolent ridicule me without mercy, but I don't budge from your revelation.
52 When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.
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I watch for your ancient landmark words, and know I'm on the right track.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.
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But when I see the wicked ignore your directions, I'm beside myself with anger.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
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I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
55 I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.
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I meditate on your name all night, God, treasuring your revelation, O God.
56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.
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Still, I walk through a rain of derision because I live by your Word and counsel.
57 The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words.
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Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise to do everything you say.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
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I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile, be gracious to me just as you promised.
59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;
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When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.
60 I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.
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I was up at once, didn't drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.
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The wicked hemmed me in - there was no way out - but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.
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I get up in the middle of the night to thank you; your decisions are so right, so true - I can't wait till morning!
63 I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
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I'm a friend and companion of all who fear you, of those committed to living by your rules.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!
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Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel.
65 You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word.
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Be good to your servant, God; be as good as your Word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
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Train me in good common sense; I'm thoroughly committed to living your way.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
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Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place, but now I'm in step with your Word.
68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
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You are good, and the source of good; train me in your goodness.
69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
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The godless spread lies about me, but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law.
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They're bland as a bucket of lard, while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
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My troubles turned out all for the best - they forced me to learn from your textbook.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
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Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine.
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
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With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.
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When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad.
75 I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
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I can see now, God, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what's true and right.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.
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Oh, love me - and right now! - hold me tight! just the way you promised.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
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Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
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Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds; they tried to sell me a bill of goods, but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies.
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Let those who fear you turn to me for evidence of your wise guidance.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame!
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And let me live whole and holy, soul and body, so I can always walk with my head held high.
81 My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.
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I'm homesick - longing for your salvation; I'm waiting for your word of hope.
82 My eyes long for your promise; I ask, "When will you comfort me?"
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My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise; how long must I wait for your comfort?
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
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There's smoke in my eyes - they burn and water, but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.
84 How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me?
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How long do I have to put up with all this? How long till you haul my tormentors into court?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law.
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The arrogant godless try to throw me off track, ignorant as they are of God and his ways.
86 All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
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Everything you command is a sure thing, but they harass me with lies. Help!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.
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They've pushed and pushed - they never let up - but I haven't relaxed my grip on your counsel.
88 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
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In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word.
89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
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What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
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Your truth never goes out of fashion; it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up.
91 By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.
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Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that's what you ordered - you set the earth going.
92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
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If your revelation hadn't delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came.
93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.
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But I'll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words.
94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.
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Save me! I'm all yours. I look high and low for your words of wisdom.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.
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The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me, but I'm only concerned with your plans for me.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
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I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can't contain your commands!
97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
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Oh, how I love all you've revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.
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Your commands give me an edge on my enemies; they never become obsolete.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
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I've even become smarter than my teachers since I've pondered and absorbed your counsel.
100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.
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I've become wiser than the wise old sages simply by doing what you tell me.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.
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I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.
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I never make detours from the route you laid out; you gave me such good directions.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
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Your words are so choice, so tasty; I prefer them to the best home cooking.
104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
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With your instruction, I understand life; that's why I hate false propaganda.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
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By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.
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I've committed myself and I'll never turn back from living by your righteous order.
107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
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Everything's falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word.
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules.
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Festoon me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.
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My life is as close as my own hands, but I don't forget what you have revealed.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.
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The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don't swerve an inch from your course.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
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I inherited your book on living; it's mine forever - what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.
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I concentrate on doing exactly what you say - I always have and always will.
113 I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.
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I hate the two-faced, but I love your clear-cut revelation.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.
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You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.
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Get out of my life, evildoers, so I can keep my God's commands.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
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Take my side as you promised; I'll live then for sure. Don't disappoint all my grand hopes.
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!
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Stick with me and I'll be all right; I'll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain.
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Expose all who drift away from your sayings; their casual idolatry is lethal.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.
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You reject earth's wicked as so much rubbish; therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.
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I shiver in awe before you; your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.
121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.
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I stood up for justice and the right; don't leave me to the mercy of my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me.
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Take the side of your servant, good God; don't let the godless take advantage of me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
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I can't keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you to keep your promise to set everything right.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes.
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Let your love dictate how you deal with me; teach me from your textbook on life.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!
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I'm your servant - help me understand what that means, the inner meaning of your instructions.
126 It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken.
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It's time to act, God; they've made a shambles of your revelation!
127 Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.
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Yea-Saying God, I love what you command, I love it better than gold and gemstones;
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.
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Yea-Saying God, I honor everything you tell me, I despise every deceitful detour.
129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
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Every word you give me is a miracle word - how could I help but obey?
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
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Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning.
131 I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments.
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Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.
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Turn my way, look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love you.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
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Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me.
134 Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts.
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Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life your way.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
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Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.
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I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by your book!
137 Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules.
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You are right and you do right, God; your decisions are right on target.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness.
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You rightly instruct us in how to live ever faithful to you.
139 My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words.
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My rivals nearly did me in, they persistently ignored your commandments.
140 Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.
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Your promise has been tested through and through, and I, your servant, love it dearly.
141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts.
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I'm too young to be important, but I don't forget what you tell me.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.
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Your righteousness is eternally right, your revelation is the only truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.
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Even though troubles came down on me hard, your commands always gave me delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
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The way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep your statutes.
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I call out at the top of my lungs, "God! Answer! I'll do whatever you say."
146 I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies.
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I called to you, "Save me so I can carry out all your instructions."
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.
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I was up before sunrise, crying for help, hoping for a word from you.
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.
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I stayed awake all night, prayerfully pondering your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life.
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In your love, listen to me; in your justice, God, keep me alive.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.
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As those out to get me come closer and closer, they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal;
151 But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true.
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But you're the closest of all to me, God, and all your judgments true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.
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I've known all along from the evidence of your words that you meant them to last forever.
153 Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.
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Take a good look at my trouble, and help me - I haven't forgotten your revelation.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!
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Take my side and get me out of this; give me back my life, just as you promised.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.
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"Salvation" is only gibberish to the wicked because they've never looked it up in your dictionary.
156 Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules.
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Your mercies, God, run into the billions; following your guidelines, revive me.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
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My antagonists are too many to count, but I don't swerve from the directions you gave.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands.
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I took one look at the quitters and was filled with loathing; they walked away from your promises so casually!
159 Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love.
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Take note of how I love what you tell me; out of your life of love, prolong my life.
160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
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Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth. Your righteous decisions are eternal.
161 Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
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I've been slandered unmercifully by the politicians, but my awe at your words keeps me stable.
162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.
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I'm ecstatic over what you say, like one who strikes it rich.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.
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I hate lies - can't stand them! - but I love what you have revealed.
164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.
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Seven times each day I stop and shout praises for the way you keep everything running right.
165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
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For those who love what you reveal, everything fits - no stumbling around in the dark for them.
166 I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments.
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I wait expectantly for your salvation; God, I do what you tell me.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.
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My soul guards and keeps all your instructions - oh, how much I love them!
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
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I follow your directions, abide by your counsel; my life's an open book before you.
169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word!
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Let my cry come right into your presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
170 Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word.
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Give my request your personal attention, rescue me on the terms of your promise.
171 My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes.
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Let praise cascade off my lips; after all, you've taught me the truth about life!
172 My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.
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And let your promises ring from my tongue; every order you've given is right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
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Put your hand out and steady me since I've chosen to live by your counsel.
174 I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.
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I'm homesick, God, for your salvation; I love it when you show yourself!
175 Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me.
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Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
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And should I wander off like a lost sheep - seek me! I'll recognize the sound of your voice.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.