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Psalms

A collection of songs and prayers expressing a wide range of emotions and thoughts on faith.

Chapter 119

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1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

*Blessed are those who follow the right path and obey God's rules.

2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

*Blessed are those who follow his teachings and search for him with all their heart.

3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

*They don't do any wrong: they follow his path.

4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

*You told us to follow your rules carefully.

5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

*Oh, that I could follow your rules completely!

6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

*Then I won't be embarrassed because I'll follow all your rules.

7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

*I will happily thank you, with a true heart, when I understand your fair rules.

8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

*I'll follow your rules. Don't leave me completely.

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

*How can a young person stay on the right path? By carefully following your teachings.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

*I have searched for you with all my heart. Please don't let me stray from your rules.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

*I've hidden your words in my heart so I don't disobey you.

12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

*Blessed are you, Lord: help me learn your rules.

13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

*I have spoken out loud all the decisions you shared with me.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

*I am very happy following your teachings, just as much as I would be with lots of money.

15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

*I'll think about your teachings and follow your path.

16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

*I will enjoy your rules; I won't forget your words.

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

*Be generous to me, so I can survive and follow your teachings.

18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

*Please open my eyes so I can see amazing things from your teachings.

19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

*I'm like a visitor on Earth; please don't keep your rules secret from me.

20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

*My soul is desperately yearning for your teachings all the time.

21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.

*You have scolded the arrogant, those who are cursed, who go astray from your rules.

22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

*Take away disgrace and shame from me; because I have followed your rules.

23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

*Princes talked bad about me, but your servant thought about your rules.

24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

*Your teachings bring me joy and guide me.

25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

*My soul is connected to the earth: make me live again, based on your message.

26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.

*I've told you about how I do things, and you listened. Now, help me learn your rules.

27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

*Help me understand your teachings, then I'll share how amazing you are.

28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

*My soul is very sad: please give me strength, as you promised in your words.

29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

*Take away deceit from me: and kindly give me your laws.

30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.

*I've picked the path of honesty; I follow your rules closely.

31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.

*I've followed your teachings: Lord, don't make me feel embarrassed.

32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

*I'll follow your rules, when you make my heart bigger.

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

*Teach me, Lord, how to follow your rules; and I will follow them forever.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

*Help me understand your rules, and I will follow them completely with all my heart.

35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

*Help me follow your rules, as I really enjoy doing that.

36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

*Make my heart love your teachings, not greed.

37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

*Make my eyes stop seeing useless things; help me follow your path faster.

38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

*Set your message for me, the one who loves and respects you greatly.

39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

*Please stop the shame that scares me: because your decisions are fair.

40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

*Look, I have wanted to follow your teachings for a long time: help me live righteously.

41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

*Please your kindness, Lord, and save me too, just like you said you would.

42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

*This means that because I believe in your promise, I will be able to respond to anyone who criticizes me.

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

*Don't completely remove the truth from what I say; because I trust your decisions.

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

*I will always follow your rules forever and ever.

45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

*I will freely live, as I want to follow your rules.

46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

*I'll talk about your truths in front of kings, and won't be embarrassed.

47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

*I will really enjoy following your rules, because I already love them.

48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

*I will raise my hands for your rules, which I love. I will think deeply about your laws.

49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

*Remember the promise for me, my lord, that gave me hope.

50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

*This verse says that the person finds comfort during hard times because God's words have given them life.

51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.

*The arrogant mocked me a lot: but I still haven't changed from following your rules.

52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.

*I thought about your old rules, Lord; and I feel better now.

53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

*Terror has gripped me due to the evil people who abandon your rules.

54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

*Your rules have been like my songs while I travel through life's journey.

55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.

*I thought of your name, Lord, at night and followed your rules.

56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

*I possessed this because I followed your rules.

57 Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.

*You are my share, Lord: I have told you I will follow your teachings.

58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

*I asked for your kindness with all my heart. Please be compassionate to me, just like you said.

59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

*I reflected on my actions and directed my steps according to your teachings.

60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

*I quickly followed your rules without any delay.

61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.

*The bad people took things from me, but I still remember your rules.

62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

*At midnight, I'll get up to thank you for your fair decisions.

63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

*I'm with those who fear you and follow your rules.

64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

*Earth is filled with your kindness, Lord: help me learn your rules.

65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.

*You have treated me well, Lord, just as you promised, according to your word.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

*Teach me to make wise decisions and understand things: because I trust your rules.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

*Before I faced troubles, I strayed from the right path. But now, I have followed your teachings.

68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

*You are good and do good things; teach me your rules.

69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

*Arrogant people have made up false stories about me, but I will follow your teachings completely in my life.

70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

*Their hearts are full of unhealthy stuff; but I love your rules.

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

*It's beneficial for me to experience difficulties; so I can understand your rules.

72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

*Your words are more valuable to me than vast amounts of gold and silver.

73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

*Your hands created me; shape me. Teach me to understand your rules so I can learn them.

74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

*People who respect you will be happy to see me, as I have trusted your message.

75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

*I understand, Lord, that your decisions are fair, and you have tested me with faithfulness.

76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

*Please let your kind mercy comfort me, as you promised, according to your word to your servant.

77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

*Please your kindness upon me, so I can survive, as your rules bring me joy.

78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

*Let those who are arrogant feel embarrassed because they treated me unfairly for no reason. Instead, I will think deeply about your teachings.

79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

*Let those who respect you come to me, and those who have experienced your truths.

80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

*Let my heart fully follow your rules; so I won't feel embarrassed.

81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

*My heart feels weak hoping for your rescue, but I trust in your promises.

82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

*My eyes keep tearing up because of your words, asking, "When will you make me feel better?"

83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

*For I am like a bottle surrounded by smoke, but I still remember your rules.

84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

*How long will it take, Lord, to judge those who bother me?

85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

*The arrogant created traps for me that don't follow your rules.

86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

*All your rules are trustworthy: they unfairly trouble me; please, give me strength.

87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

*They nearly destroyed me on Earth, but I never abandoned your teachings.

88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

*Make me move forward with your love; then I will follow the teachings from your words.

89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

*Forever, Lord, your word stays in the sky.

90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

*Your loyalty lasts forever; you created the world, and it stays stable.

91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

*They keep following your rules today because everyone is your servant.

92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

*If I didn't enjoy your rules, I would have died from my suffering.

93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

*I won't forget your teachings, because they have given me life.

94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.

*I belong to you; please rescue me because I've searched for your teachings.

95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

*The bad people are waiting to harm me, but I will think about your truths.

96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

*I saw the end of all goodness, but your rule is much wider.

97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

*Oh, how much I love your laws! They are what I think about all day long.

98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

*You have made me smarter than my enemies through your commands, as they are always around me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

*I understand more than my teachers because I think about your teachings a lot.

100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

*I comprehend more than those from long ago, since I follow your rules.

101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

*I've avoided doing bad things with my feet, so I can follow your rules.

102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

*I haven't left your rules: because you've taught me them.

103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

*Your words are so delightful to me! They're even sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

*Through your teachings, I gain wisdom; that's why I dislike all wrong paths.

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

*Your words guide my steps and show me the way.

106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

*I promise and will do it - to follow your fair rules.

107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

*I'm suffering a lot: hurry, God, and help me based on your promise.

108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.

*Please accept the voluntary gifts from my heart, God, and teach me your rules.

109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

*My soul always depends on me, but I still don't forget your rules.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

*The bad people set a trap for me, but I didn't make mistakes by following your teachings.

111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

*I have made your teachings a lasting inheritance, because they bring great joy to my heart.

112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

*I will always follow your rules, never stopping until the very end.

113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.

*I dislike useless thoughts, but I love your laws.

114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

*You are my hiding spot and my protection; I trust in your promises.

115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

*Stay away from me, bad people: because I will follow the rules of my God.

116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

*Keep me true to your promise so I can thrive, and don't let me lose faith in what I believe.

117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

*Help me stay strong, and I'll be safe; I'll always follow your rules.

118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.

*You have crushed all those who stray from your rules because their lies are not true.

119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

*You remove all the bad people from the world like unwanted junk, so I love your teachings.

120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

*My body shakes because of my fear of you, and I'm scared of your punishments.

121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

*I've brought fairness and righteousness; don't let my suppressors get away with it.

122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.

*Make a promise to help your servant do well: don't let the arrogant mistreat me.

123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.

*My eyes lose strength because of your rescue, and for the message of your fairness.

124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.

*Treat me kindly based on your compassion, and teach me your rules.

125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

*I'm your helper; teach me, so I can understand your rules.

126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.

*It's time for you, God, to act: they've broken your rules.

127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

*So, I prefer your rules over gold, even the best kind of gold.

128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

*So, I think all your rules are good for everything, and I don't like any wrong paths.

129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

*Your teachings are amazing, so my soul follows them.

130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

*Your words' entry brings light; they make things clear for those who are not complex.

131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

*I gasped, wanting your rules so much.

132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.

*Look at me and be kind, just like you do for those who love your name.

133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

*Guide my path according to your teachings, and don't let any wrongdoing control me.

134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.

*Free me from people's unfair treatment: then I will follow your rules.

135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

*Shine your light on me, and help me understand your rules.

136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

*Tears flow from my eyes because your rules aren't followed.

137 Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.

*You are righteous, Lord, and your decisions are fair.

138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

*Your teachings, which you ordered, are fair and extremely trustworthy.

139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

*My passion has exhausted me, as my adversaries have ignored your words.

140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

*Your words are extremely pure, so your servant really loves them.

141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.

*I'm tiny and disliked, but I still remember your teachings.

142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

*Your righteousness lasts forever, and your rules are always true.

143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.

*I am feeling troubled and sad, but your rules bring me joy.

144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

*The fairness of your truthful words lasts forever; teach me, and I will survive.

145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.

*I shouted to God from my heart; please listen, God! I will follow your rules.

146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.

*I called out to you; please rescue me, and if you do, I will follow your teachings.

147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

*I stopped the sun from rising early, and shouted: I trusted in your promise.

148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

*My eyes keep me awake at night so I can think about your teachings.

149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.

*Listen to my voice because of your kindness, God: Make me live according to your fairness.

150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

*Those who seek trouble come close; they stay away from your rules.

151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.

*You are close, Lord; and all your commands are true.

152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

*About your truths, I already knew long ago that you have made them last forever.

153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

*Please remember my suffering and help me, as I never forget your rules.

154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

*Ask God to support my situation and save me; help me follow his teachings faster.

155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

*Salvation is not close to bad people because they don't look for your rules.

156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.

*Your gentle kindness is huge, Lord: make me live following your rules.

157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

*Many people try to hurt me and go against me, but I still don't change what I believe.

158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

*I saw those who broke the rules, and it saddened me because they didn't follow your teachings.

159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.

*Think about how much I love your teachings. Lord, make me live by your kindness and love.

160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

*Your word is honest since the start, and all your fair decisions last forever.

161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

*Princes unjustly troubled me, but my heart deeply respects your words.

162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

*I am happy with your words; it's like finding a big treasure.

163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

*I strongly dislike lies, but I love your rules.

164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

*I say thank you to you seven times a day for your fair decisions.

165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

*People who love your rules have great peace. Nothing can upset them.

166 LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.

*LORD, I've expected you to save me and followed your rules.

167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

*My soul has followed your teachings, and I love them very much.

168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

*I followed your teachings and rules, because you always see what I do.

169 Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.

*Let me tell you my worries, God: teach me what you mean in your messages.

170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.

*Let me ask you for help: save me, just like you said you would.

171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

*My lips will say good things when you teach me your rules.

172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

*My tongue will talk about your words because all your commands are fair.

173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

*Help me, your hand; because I have picked your teachings.

174 I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.

*I've wanted your rescue, God; and your rules bring me joy.

175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.

*Let my spirit thrive, and I'll thank you; please support me with your decisions.

176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

*I've wandered off like a lost sheep; find me, because I won't forget your rules.

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* work in progress, there will be mistakes