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The Message Bible MSG
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to 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 statutes and seek him with all their heart—
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You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.
3 they do no wrong but follow 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 laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
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You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
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Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set;
6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
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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 as I learn your righteous laws.
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I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
8 I will obey your decrees; 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 person stay on the path of purity? By living 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 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
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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 hidden 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 Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees.
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Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living.
13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
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I'll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great 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 meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
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I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you've done it.
16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
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I relish everything you've told me of life, I won't forget a word of it.
17 Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey 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 see wonderful things in 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 stranger on earth; do not hide your commands 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 laws at all times.
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My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous! - insatiable for your nourishing commands.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands.
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And those who think they know so much, ignoring everything you tell them - let them have it!
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.
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Don't let them mock and humiliate me; I've been careful to do just what you said.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.
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While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me, I'm absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
24 Your statutes 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 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my 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 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
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When I told my story, you responded; train me well in your deep wisdom.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
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Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
28 My soul is weary with 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 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and 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 have set my heart on your laws.
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I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me 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 run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.
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I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me how.
33 Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.
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God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
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Give me insight so I can do what you tell me - my whole life one long, obedient response.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
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Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway!
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward 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 away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
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Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
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Affirm your promises to me - promises made to all who fear you.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
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Deflect the harsh words of my critics - but what you say is always so good.
40 How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life.
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See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!
41 May your unfailing love come to me, 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 I can answer anyone 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 Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.
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Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever - your commandments are what I depend on.
44 I will always obey your law, for ever 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 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out 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 speak of your statutes before kings and will 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 delight in your commands because I love them.
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I cherish your commandments - oh, how I love them! -
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.
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relishing every fragment of your counsel.
49 Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.
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Remember what you said to me, your servant - I hang on to these words for dear life!
50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
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These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law.
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The insolent ridicule me without mercy, but I don't budge from your revelation.
52 I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them.
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I watch for your ancient landmark words, and know I'm on the right track.
53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.
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But when I see the wicked ignore your directions, I'm beside myself with anger.
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.
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I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
55 In the night, LORD, I remember your name, that I may keep your law.
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I meditate on your name all night, God, treasuring your revelation, O God.
56 This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
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Still, I walk through a rain of derision because I live by your Word and counsel.
57 You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words.
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Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise to do everything you say.
58 I have sought your face 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 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.
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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 will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
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I was up at once, didn't drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders.
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will 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 give you thanks for your righteous laws.
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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 friend to all who fear you, to all who follow 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 is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees.
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Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel.
65 Do good to your servant according to your word, LORD.
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Be good to your servant, God; be as good as your Word.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.
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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 obey 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 what you do is good; teach me your decrees.
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You are good, and the source of good; train me in your goodness.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.
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The godless spread lies about me, but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, 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 was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
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My troubles turned out all for the best - they forced me to learn from your textbook.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
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Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine.
73 Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.
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With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope 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, LORD, that your laws 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 May your unfailing love be my comfort, 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 compassion 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 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but 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 May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes.
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Let those who fear you turn to me for evidence of your wise guidance.
80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, 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 faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my 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 fail, looking for your promise; I say, “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 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.
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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 wait? When will you punish my persecutors?
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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 arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary 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 commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
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Everything you command is a sure thing, but they harass me with lies. Help!
87 They almost wiped me from the 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 unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
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In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word.
89 Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
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What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.
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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 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.
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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 preserved my life.
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But I'll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words.
94 Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out 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 are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.
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The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me, but I'm only concerned with your plans for me.
96 To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.
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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! I meditate on it all day long.
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Oh, how I love all you've revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long.
98 Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.
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Your commands give me an edge on my enemies; they never become obsolete.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.
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I've even become smarter than my teachers since I've pondered and absorbed your counsel.
100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.
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I've become wiser than the wise old sages simply by doing what you tell me.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey 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 have not departed from your laws, for you yourself 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 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.
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With your instruction, I understand life; that's why I hate false propaganda.
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on 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 taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
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I've committed myself and I'll never turn back from living by your righteous order.
107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, 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, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
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Festoon me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will 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 set a snare for me, but I have not strayed 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 statutes are my heritage forever; 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 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
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I concentrate on doing exactly what you say - I always have and always will.
113 I hate double-minded people, 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 refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
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You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.
115 Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!
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Get out of my life, evildoers, so I can keep my God's commands.
116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
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Take my side as you promised; I'll live then for sure. Don't disappoint all my grand hopes.
117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.
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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 reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing.
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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 statutes.
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You reject earth's wicked as so much rubbish; therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.
120 My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.
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I shiver in awe before you; your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.
121 I have done what is righteous and just; 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 Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant 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 fail, looking for your salvation, looking for 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 love and teach me your decrees.
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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 discernment that I may understand your statutes.
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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 you to act, LORD; your law is being broken.
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It's time to act, God; they've made a shambles of your revelation!
127 Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold,
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Yea-Saying God, I love what you command, I love it better than gold and gemstones;
128 and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.
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Yea-Saying God, I honor everything you tell me, I despise every deceitful detour.
129 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey 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 gives 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, longing for your commands.
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Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to 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 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule 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 human oppression, that I may obey 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 on your servant and teach me your decrees.
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Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.
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I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by your book!
137 You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are right.
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You are right and you do right, God; your decisions are right on target.
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.
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You rightly instruct us in how to live ever faithful to you.
139 My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.
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My rivals nearly did me in, they persistently ignored your commandments.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
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Your promise has been tested through and through, and I, your servant, love it dearly.
141 Though I am lowly and despised, 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 everlasting and your law is true.
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Your righteousness is eternally right, your revelation is the only truth.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.
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Even though troubles came down on me hard, your commands always gave me delight.
144 Your statutes are always righteous; 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 I call with all my heart; answer me, LORD, and I will obey your decrees.
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I call out at the top of my lungs, "God! Answer! I'll do whatever you say."
146 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.
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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 have put my hope in your word.
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I was up before sunrise, crying for help, hoping for a word from you.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
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I stayed awake all night, prayerfully pondering your promise.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, LORD, according to your laws.
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In your love, listen to me; in your justice, God, keep me alive.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but 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 Yet you are near, LORD, and all your commands are true.
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But you're the closest of all to me, God, and all your judgments true.
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last 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 suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law.
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Take a good look at my trouble, and help me - I haven't forgotten your revelation.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my 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 out your decrees.
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"Salvation" is only gibberish to the wicked because they've never looked it up in your dictionary.
156 Your compassion, LORD, is great; preserve my life according to your laws.
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Your mercies, God, run into the billions; following your guidelines, revive me.
157 Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes.
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My antagonists are too many to count, but I don't swerve from the directions you gave.
158 I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word.
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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 See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your 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 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.
160
Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth. Your righteous decisions are eternal.
161 Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.
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I've been slandered unmercifully by the politicians, but my awe at your words keeps me stable.
162 I rejoice in your promise 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 detest 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 laws.
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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, and 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 wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands.
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I wait expectantly for your salvation; God, I do what you tell me.
167 I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.
167
My soul guards and keeps all your instructions - oh, how much I love them!
168 I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.
168
I follow your directions, abide by your counsel; my life's an open book before you.
169 May my cry come before you, 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 May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.
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Give my request your personal attention, rescue me on the terms of your promise.
171 May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.
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Let praise cascade off my lips; after all, you've taught me the truth about life!
172 May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.
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And let your promises ring from my tongue; every order you've given is right.
173 May 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, LORD, and your law gives me delight.
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I'm homesick, God, for your salvation; I love it when you show yourself!
175 Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain 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 strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
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And should I wander off like a lost sheep - seek me! I'll recognize the sound of your voice.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
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.