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