Nlayo wa Yahwe
1 Bakakombolegwa ibabo be zila dzakatambunuka,
banolondolodza nlayo wa Yahwe.
2 Bakakombolegwa ibabo banobhata ndaulo dzabo,
banobashaka nge mimoyo yabo yose,
3 kakale basingathame tjakabipa,
koga beyenda mu zila dzabo.
4 Makabiga milayo yenyu
kuti ilondolodziwe nge buzhalo.
5 Dzene zila dzangu dzabe dzakatambunuka
mu kubhata milayo yenyu!
6 Ndizo anditowobhatisiwa shoni,
andina hanya ne milayo yenyu yose.
7 Ndowomukudza nge moyo wakatambunuka,
andizwidiya ndaulo dzenyu dzakayengemala.
8 Ndowotobelela milayo yenyu
musindilashile tjose.
9 Apa bathu batjetjana bangathama tjini kuti zila dzabo
dzigale dzili dzakatjenapala kene?
Nge kudzitjengeta kuyendidzana nge dama lenyu.
10 Ndomushaka nge moyo wangu wose,
musitongondiletja asalondolodza milayo yenyu.
11 Ndakabiganya dama lenyu mu moyo wangu,
kuti ndisitongo mutjinyila.
12 Kukudziwa ngakube kumuli, imwi Yahwe,
mundidiye milayo yenyu.
13 Nge nlomo wangu ndoleba
ndaulo dzose dzodwa mu nlomo wenyu.
14 Ndoshathila kutobelela milayo yenyu,
sekwa nthu angashathila fumwa dzose.
15 Ndowokumbula ngekwe milayo yenyu,
ndibe ndizwilingisanya ne zila dzenyu.
16 Ndowoshathila milayo yenyu,
anditowokangang'wa dama lenyu.
17 Bhatani nlanda wenyu zubuyanana,
ngono ndowotjila alondolodza dama lenyu.
18 Zhulani mesho angu, kuti ndizo ndibone
zwithu zwinotjenamisa zwinodwa mu nlayo wenyu.
19 Ndi nzhi mu shango,
musindisumbikile milayo yenyu.
20 Ndojika mu moyo nge ishubo
ngekwe ndaulo dzenyu mu zwibaka zose.
21 Motjemela ibabo banozwikudza,
bana bhiso banomiligwa nge milayo yenyu.
22 Dusani masapa abo ne kundidadila kwabo mundili,
ngobe ndolondolodza milayo yenyu.
23 Nenguba hadzasha dzigalapasi dzindilukila gwanga,
nlanda wenyu unowokumbula ngekwe milayo yenyu.
24 Milayo yenyu i shatho yangu,
ndiyo bakumbuludzi bangu.
25 Meya yangu yakakotama ndanamatila mu hwuluba,
mundimuse ngekwe dama lenyu.
26 Ndakatindizwileba zwandakathama, mukandidabila,
mundidiye milayo yenyu.
27 Mundithame ndihwisise zila dze milayo yenyu,
ndizo ndowokumbula ngekwe matjenamiso enyu.
28 Meya yangu yakanyala ngentha ye buyendasi,
mundimuse ngekwe dama lenyu.
29 Dusilani zila dze manyepkhwa kutjena nami,
mundidiye nlayo wenyu ne ngoni.
30 Ndakashalula zila ye kugalikabgwe
ndakabiga ndaulo dzenyu mbeli kwangu.
31 Ndakanamatila milayo yenyu, imwi Yahwe,
thamani kuti ndisibhatisiwe shoni.
32 Ndowolondolodza milayo yenyu ndakalonga meya
mu nyama, apaphidza kuhwisisa kwangu.
33 Mundidiye, imwi Yahwe, zila ye milayo yenyu,
ngono ndowoilondolodza kunoti ku bupelo.
34 Mundipe kuhwisisa, kuti ndilondolodze nlayo wenyu
ndibe ndiutjengete ne moyo wangu wose.
35 Munditungamile mu zila ye milayo yenyu,
ngobe ndoyishathila.
36 Tendebudzilani moyo wangu ku milayo yenyu,
kusi kushaba kwe bugovu.
37 Shandusani mesho angu mu kulinga zwisi zwa tjimwe,
mundipe butjilo mu zila dzenyu.
38 Zhadzisani kugadzabgwe kwenyu, mu nlanda wenyu,
ikoku kwa ibaba banomutja.
39 Shandulilani kulengudzika kwandinotja kutjena nami,
ngobe ndaulo dzenyu dzakalulwama.
40 Bonani ndakashuba milayo yenyu,
mu ndulamo yenyu mundipe butjilo.
41 Ludo gwenyu gusingazunguzike ngaguzhe kundili imwi Yahwe,
jidzo lenyu kuyendidzana nge kugadzabgwe kwenyu.
42 Ndizo ndodabila ibabo banondidadila,
ngobe ndogalabgwe mu dama lenyu.
43 Musitole dama le malebeswa mu nlomo wangu,
ngobe kugalabgwe kwangu kumu ndaulo dzenyu.
44 Ndowolondolodza nlayo wenyu,
nge kusingapele kose.
45 Ndowoyenda ndakasununguka,
ngobe ndakashaka milayo yenyu.
46 Ndowolebeleka ngekwe milayo yenyu mbeli kwa bomambo
kakale anditowobhatisiwa shoni,
47 Ndoshathisiwa nge milayo yenyu,
ngobe ndoida.
48 Ndowomilidzila maboko ku milayo yenyu, iyo yandinoda,
kakale ndowokumbula ngekwe milayo yenyu.
49 Kumbulani dama lenyu ku nlanda wenyu,
ngobe makandipa kugalabgwe.
50 Ndilo linondinyaladza mu kudziyidzika kwangu,
ngekuti kugadzabgwe kwenyu konditjidza.
51 Banozwikudza banondidadila kusina tjilizanyo,
koga anditoshandukila nlayo wenyu.
52 Ndokumbula ndaulo dzenyu dza ntolo imwi Yahwe,
ndowana nyaladzo mudzili.
53 Moyo wangu unopisa ngekwe babi,
ibabo banoletjedza nlayo wenyu.
54 Milayo yenyu yagala ili njimbo dzangu,
mu ng'umba yandinolala ndili mu gwendo.
55 Mu busiku ndokumbula zina lenyu, imwi Yahwe,
kakale ndolondolodza nlayo wenyu.
56 Makombolegwa andakapiwa,
ngobe ndakalondolodza milayo yenyu.
57 Yahwe ndibo gobe langu,
ndogadzabgwe kuti ndowohwa matama enyu.
58 Ndakashaka buso gwenyu nge moyo wangu wose,
ibeni nge ngoni nami kuyendidzana nge kugadzabgwe kwenyu.
59 Ndakalingisisa zila dzangu,
ashandusila makumbo angu ku milayo yenyu,
60 Ndowolibilidza, ndisinganonoke
kulondolodza milayo yenyu.
61 Nenguba misungo ye babi indipomba,
anditowokangang'wa nlayo wenyu.
62 Busiku ndomukila kumukudza,
ngekwe ndaulo dzenyu dzakayengemala.
63 Ndi nzwalani wa bose banomutja,
wa bose banolondolodza milayo yenyu.
64 Imwi Yahwe, shango izhele ludo gwenyu gusingazunguzike,
mundidiye milayo yenyu.
65 Makathamila nlanda wenyu bubuya,
kuyendidzana ne dama lenyu, imwi Yahwe.
66 Mundidiye kusumikilisa kwakatambunuka ne luzibo,
ngobe ndogalamoyo mu milayo yenyu.
67 Ndakati ndisathu alobgwa shamu ndakabe ndakalashika,
koga ngwenu ndohwa dama lenyu.
68 Makalulwama kakale mothama bubuya,
mundidiye milayo yenyu.
69 Banozwikudza banondibhomedza manyepkhwa,
koga ndobhata milayo yenyu nge moyo wangu wose.
70 Mimoyo yabo mikodu,
koga imi ndoshathila nlayo wenyu.
71 Kwakandilulwamila kuti ndibe ndakalobgwa shamu,
kuti ndizo ndizwidiye milayo yenyu.
72 Nlayo we nlomo wenyu wakandinakila kwazo
kupinda zwiwulu zwinjinji zwe siliva ne golide.
73 Maboko enyu akandithama kakale kandibumba,
mundipe hwisiso kuti ndizwidiye milayo yenyu.
74 Ibabo banomutja banowondibona bakashatha,
ngobe ndakagalamoyo mu dama lenyu.
75 Ndoziba, imwi Yahwe, kuti kusumikilisa kwenyu kwakatambunuka,
ngoti makandiloba shamu nge kugalikabgwe kwenyu.
76 Ludo gwenyu gusingazunguzike gumilile kundinyaladza,
kuyendidzana ne kugadzabgwe kwenyu ku nlanda wenyu.
77 Ngoni dzenyu ngadzizhe kundili, kuti ndizo nditjile,
ngobe nlayo wenyu i shatho yangu.
78 Banozwikudza ngababhatisiwe shoni,
ngobe banoshaka kundilengudza nge bupitipiti,
koga imi ndokumbula ngekwe milayo yenyu.
79 Thamani kuti ibabo banomutja bashandukile kundili,
kuti ndizo bazibe milayo yenyu.
80 Moyo wangu ngausibong'we nlandu ngekwe milayo yenyu
kuti ndizo ndisitongobhatisiwa shoni.
81 Meya yangu inotshwigwa ngekwe jidzo lenyu,
ndogalabgwe mu dama lenyu.
82 Mesho angu atjinyala ngolindila gadzabgwe kwenyu,
ndobhuzwa nditi, “mowondinyaladza lini?”
83 Ndotjinga gukhwa le nkumbi we zhambi lili mu busi,
ipapa ndisakatongokangang'wa milayo yenyu.
84 Apa nlanda wenyu adzikitadze kuswikila lini kene?
Apa mowosumikilisa banondigwadzisa lini kene?
85 Banozwikudza bakanditshila makomba,
bathu basingatobele nlayo wenyu.
86 Milayo yenyu yose inogalikabgwe
ndodziyidziwa kusina tjandatjinya mundibhatshe!
87 Bakashokobe bandidusa mu shango,
koga andizolasha milayo yenyu.
88 Mu ludo gwenyu gusingazunguzike musitole butjilo gwangu,
kuti ndizo ndibhate milayo ye nlomo wenyu.
89 Yahwe bayapo nge kusingapele,
dama lenyu lakadzikila kudzimu.
90 Kugalikabgwe kwenyu kodwilila kunoti ku zwizekugwana zose
makathama shango, ngono yakadzikila.
91 Nge ndaulo yenyu zwithu zwimile nasi,
ngobe zwithu zose zoshingila imwi.
92 Ha nlayo wenyu wakabe usi shatho yangu,
ndobe ndakafa ngolobgwa shamu kwangu.
93 Anditowofa ndakangang'wa milayo yenyu,
ngobe makabiganyidzila butjilo gwangu ndiyo.
94 Ndiwenyu, munditjidze,
ngobe ndakashaka milayo yenyu.
95 Babi bakandilalila kuti bandilobese,
koga ndokumbula milayo yenyu.
96 Ndakabona bhelelo le ndizanyo yose,
koga milayo yenyu ayina tjilizanyo.
97 Imi, ndoda milayo yenyu seni!
Ndokumbula ngekwayo sikati lose.
98 Nlayo wenyu unonditjenjedza kupinda zwita zwangu,
ngobe unogalila tjose nami.
99 Ndohwisisa kupinda badiyi bangu bose,
ngobe milayo yenyu ndiyo gumbuludzo langu.
100 Ndohwisisa kupinda bakwegula,
ngobe ndohwa milayo yenyu.
101 Ndodziba makumbo angu mu zila dzose dzakabipa,
kuti ndizo ndibhate dama lenyu.
102 Anditoshandukila ndaulo dzenyu,
ngobe makandidiya.
103 Matama enyu anozipa tjini mu lulimi gwangu,
anozipa kupinda butji gwe nyutji mu nlomo wangu!
104 Nge milayo yenyu ndowana kuhwisisa,
ndizo ndobenga zila dzose dze manyepkhwa.
105 Dama lenyu luvone gwe makumbo angu,
ne tjedza tje zila yangu.
106 Ndakatuna abuya akushingikadza,
kulondolodza ndaulo dzenyu dzakayengemala.
107 Ndakadziyidzika kwazo, mundipe butjilo,
imwi Yahwe, kuyendidzana ne dama lenyu.
108 Amutjilani zwipo zwangu zwe kukudza, imwi Yahwe,
kakale mundidiye ndaulo dzenyu.
109 Ndodwilila ndakabhata butjilo gwangu nge luboko gwangu,
koga anditokangang'wa nlayo wenyu.
110 Babi bakandilukila gwanga,
koga andizolashika mu milayo yenyu.
111 Milayo yenyu ndiyo lukata gwangu nge kusingapele kose,
ndiyo shatho ye moyo wangu.
112 Ndakashandulila moyo wangu mu kuhwa milayo yenyu
nge kusingapele kose, kunoti ku bupelo.
113 Ndobenga bathu bana moyo mibili,
koga ndoda nlayo wenyu
114 Ndimwi dizhilo langu ne tjivikili tjangu,
ndogalabgwe mu dama lenyu.
115 Idwani pandili imwi bashingi be bubi,
kuti ndibhate milayo ye Ndzimu wangu.
116 Mundibhatshe kuyendidzana ne kugadzabgwe
kwenyu, kuti ndizo nditjile, kakale musindiletje
abhatisiwa shoni mu kugalabgwe kwangu.
117 Mundibhate, kuti nditjile
ndidwilile ndina hanya nge milayo yenyu.
118 Molasha bose banolashika mu milayo yenyu,
ngobe butjakwani gwabo mwina we tjigu.
119 Bose babi be shango mobatola se malala,
ndizo ndoda milayo yenyu.
120 Mmbili wangu unotetemesiwa nge kumutja,
ndotja kusumikilisa kwenyu.
121 Ndathama kwakatambunuka nenge ndulamo,
musindiletjedzele mu batshambilidzi bangu.
122 Gadzanibgwe nlanda wenyu kuti mowonthamila bubuya,
musiletjedzele basina Ndzimu kuti banditshambilidze.
123 Mesho angu atjinyadziwa ngolindila jidzo lenyu,
ne kuzhadzisika kwe kugadzabgwe kwenyu kwakalulwama.
124 Thamilani nlanda wenyu kuyendidzana ne ludo gwenyu gusingazunguzike,
kakale mundidiye milayo yenyu.
125 Ndi nlanda wenyu, mundipe hwisiso,
kuti ndihwisise milayo yenyu.
126 Tjabe tjibaka tjenyu imwi Yahwe, kuti mutole thambo,
ngobe nlayo wenyu auzotobegwa.
127 Sa ikoku, ndoda milayo yenyu,
kupinda golide, kupinda golide yakatjena.
128 Malebeswa ndolingisanya makumbo angu ne milayo yenyu yose,
ndobenga zila imwe ne imwe ye manyepkhwa.
129 Milayo yenyu inotjenamisa,
ndizo meya yangu inoilondolodza.
130 Petenuka kwe matama enyu kopa tjedza,
kopa basi be tjimwe hwisiso.
131 Ndofemeleka ndakazhaligwa,
ngobe ndakashuba milayo yenyu.
132 Shandukilani kundili mundihwile ngoni,
sekwa munogala muthamila ibabo banoda zina lenyu.
133 Tambunudzani miyendo yangu kuyendidzana nge dama lenyu,
musitongoletja jinyo likandilaula.
134 Mundidzutunule mu tshambilidzo ye bathu,
kuti ndizo ndilondolodze milayo yenyu.
135 Penyeselani nlanda wenyu buso gwenyu,
kakale mundidiye milayo yenyu.
136 Mesho angu anowunga mishodzi,
ngoti bathu abatolondolodza nlayo wenyu.
137 Makalulwama, imwi Yahwe,
ne kusumikilisa kwenyu kwakalulwama.
138 Makabiga milayo yenyu mu ndulamo
nenge mu kugalikabgwe kose.
139 Ndobhaika mu moyo nge shungu
ngoti zwita zwangu zwokangang'wa matama enyu.
140 Kugadzabgwe kwenyu kwakalikiwa zubuyanana,
ngono nlanda wenyu unokuda.
141 Ndintukununu kakale ndolingigwa pasi,
nenguba kwakajalo anditokangang'wa milayo yenyu.
142 Ndulamo yenyu i ndulamo isingapele,
kakale nlayo wenyu ndiwo malebeswa.
143 Tshiyilo ne buyendasi zwakandizhila,
koga milayo yenyu i shatho yangu.
144 Milayo yenyu yakayengemala nge kusingapele,
mundipeni hwisiso kuti nditjile.
145 Ndomudana nge moyo wangu wose mundidabile, imwi Yahwe.
Ndowolondolodza milayo yenyu.
146 Ndomulilila, munditjidze,
kuti ndilondolodze milayo yenyu.
147 Ndobinduka busikwana ndilila ndishaka bhatsho,
ndogalabgwe mu matama enyu.
148 Mesho angu anobe akalinga kutangila balindi be busiku,
kuti ndikumbulukigwe kugadzabgwe kwenyu.
149 Ihwani hwi langu mu ludo gwenyu gusingazunguzike,
Imwi Yahwe, mu kululwama kwenyu,
tjengetani butjilo gwangu!
150 Ibabo banotobela bubi babo pejopejo,
abateli pano ne nlayo wenyu.
151 Ipapo imwi muli pejo, imwi Yahwe,
ne milayo yenyu yose i malebeswa.
152 Ndakazwidiya mu milayo yenyu ntolo,
kuti makaibiga nge kusingapele.
153 Lingani tshiyilo yangu munditjidze,
ngobe andizokangang'wa nlayo wenyu.
154 Mundimile mu ndebeleko yangu mundidzutunule,
tjengetani butjilo gwangu kuyendidzana
ne kugadzabgwe kwenyu!
155 Jidzo aliteli pano ne babi,
ngobe abatoshaka milayo yenyu.
156 Kukulu ngoni dzenyu, imwi Yahwe,
munditjidze kuyendidzana ne ndulamo yenyu.
157 Zwita ne banondinyanyayidza banjinji
nenguba kwakajalo, anditoshandukila milayo yenyu.
158 Ndolinga basingagalikebgwe, ashima,
ngobe abatolondolodza milayo yenyu.
159 Bonani sekwandinoda milayo yenyu,
londolodzani butjilo gwangu kuyendidzana ne ludo gwenyu gusingazunguzike.
160 Matama enyu wose malebeswa,
ndulamo ye ndaulo dzenyu dzose imile nge kusingapele.
161 Bakololo be bushe banondisumikilisila kusina,
koga moyo wangu unotja matama enyu.
162 Ndoshathila dama lenyu,
se nthu wawana thundu yatapiwa ku ngwa.
163 Ndobenga kakale ndoshima manyepkhwa,
koga ndoda nlayo wenyu.
164 Ndomukudza katendeka nge zhuba,
ngekwe ndaulo dzenyu dzakalulwama.
165 Banoda nlayo wenyu bana kunyalala kukulu,
akuna tjinobakutha.
166 Ndakalindila jidzo lenyu, imwi Yahwe,
ngono ndoshingikadza milayo yenyu.
167 Ndohwa milayo yenyu,
ndoyida kupindisisa.
168 Ndohwa milayo ne ndaulo dzenyu,
ngobe zila dzangu dzose modziziba.
169 Imani tjililo tjangu tjiswike kumuli, imwi Yahwe.
Mundipe hwisiso kuyendidzana ne dama lenyu.
170 Mitembezelo yangu ngaiswike mbeli kwenyu
mundisunungule kuyendidzane ne kugadzabgwe kwenyu.
171 Nlomo wangu unowomukudza kunjinji,
ngobe mondidiya milayo yenyu.
172 Lulimi gwangu gowomba ngekwe kugadzabgwe kwenyu,
ngobe milayo yenyu yose yakalulwama.
173 Luboko gwenyu ngagugale gwakazwilulwamisila
kundibhatsha, ngobe ndolondolodza milayo yenyu.
174 Ndina nyota ye jidzo lenyu, imwi Yahwe,
ngobe nlayo wenyu i shatho yangu.
175 Tshene munganditjidza kuti ndizo ndimukudze,
ne ndaulo dzenyu dzindibhatshe.
176 Ndakamila ndonga pkhwizi yakalashika,
shakani nlanda wenyu,
ngobe anditokangang'wa milayo yenyu.
The Law of the Lord
1 Happy are those whose lives are faultless,
who live according to the law of the Lord.
2 Happy are those who follow his commands,
who obey him with all their heart.
3 They never do wrong;
they walk in the Lord's ways.
4 Lord, you have given us your laws
and told us to obey them faithfully.
5 How I hope that I shall be faithful
in keeping your instructions!
6 If I pay attention to all your commands,
then I will not be put to shame.
7 As I learn your righteous judgments,
I will praise you with a pure heart.
8 I will obey your laws;
never abandon me!
Obedience to the Law of the Lord
9 How can young people keep their lives pure?
By obeying your commands.
10 With all my heart I try to serve you;
keep me from disobeying your commandments.
11 I keep your law in my heart,
so that I will not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your ways.
13 I will repeat aloud
all the laws you have given.
14 I delight in following your commands
more than in having great wealth.
15 I study your instructions;
I examine your teachings.
16 I take pleasure in your laws;
your commands I will not forget.
Happiness in the Law of the Lord
17 Be good to me, your servant,
so that I may live and obey your teachings.
18 Open my eyes, so that I may see
the wonderful truths in your law.
19 I am here on earth for just a little while;
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My heart aches with longing;
I want to know your judgments at all times.
21 You reprimand the proud;
cursed are those who disobey your commands.
22 Free me from their insults and scorn,
because I have kept your laws.
23 The rulers meet and plot against me,
but I will study your teachings.
24 Your instructions give me pleasure;
they are my advisers.
Determination to Obey the Law of the Lord
25 I lie defeated in the dust;
revive me, as you have promised.
26 I confessed all I have done, and you answered me;
teach me your ways.
27 Help me to understand your laws,
and I will meditate on your wonderful teachings.
28 I am overcome by sorrow;
strengthen me, as you have promised.
29 Keep me from going the wrong way,
and in your goodness teach me your law.
30 I have chosen to be obedient;
I have paid attention to your judgments.
31 I have followed your instructions, Lord;
don't let me be put to shame.
32 I will eagerly obey your commands,
because you will give me more understanding.
A Prayer for Understanding
33 Teach me, Lord, the meaning of your laws,
and I will obey them at all times.
34 Explain your law to me, and I will obey it;
I will keep it with all my heart.
35 Keep me obedient to your commandments,
because in them I find happiness.
36 Give me the desire to obey your laws
rather than to get rich.
37 Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless;
be good to me, as you have promised.
38 Keep your promise to me, your servant—
the promise you make to those who obey you.
39 Save me from the insults I fear;
how wonderful are your judgments!
40 I want to obey your commands;
give me new life, for you are righteous.
Trusting the Law of the Lord
41 Show me how much you love me, Lord,
and save me according to your promise.
42 Then I can answer those who insult me
because I trust in your word.
43 Enable me to speak the truth at all times,
because my hope is in your judgments.
44 I will always obey your law,
forever and ever.
45 I will live in perfect freedom,
because I try to obey your teachings.
46 I will announce your commands to kings
and I will not be ashamed.
47 I find pleasure in obeying your commands,
because I love them.
48 I respect and love your commandments;
I will meditate on your instructions.
Confidence in the Law of the Lord
49 Remember your promise to me, your servant;
it has given me hope.
50 Even in my suffering I was comforted
because your promise gave me life.
51 The proud are always scornful of me,
but I have not departed from your law.
52 I remember your judgments of long ago,
and they bring me comfort, O Lord.
53 When I see the wicked breaking your law,
I am filled with anger.
54 During my brief earthly life
I compose songs about your commands.
55 In the night I remember you, Lord,
and I think about your law.
56 I find my happiness
in obeying your commands.
Devotion to the Law of the Lord
57 You are all I want, O Lord;
I promise to obey your laws.
58 I ask you with all my heart
to have mercy on me, as you have promised!
59 I have considered my conduct,
and I promise to follow your instructions.
60 Without delay I hurry
to obey your commands.
61 The wicked have laid a trap for me,
but I do not forget your law.
62 In the middle of the night I wake up
to praise you for your righteous judgments.
63 I am a friend of all who serve you,
of all who obey your laws.
64 Lord, the earth is full of your constant love;
teach me your commandments.
The Value of the Law of the Lord
65 You have kept your promise, Lord,
and you are good to me, your servant.
66 Give me wisdom and knowledge,
because I trust in your commands.
67 Before you punished me, I used to go wrong,
but now I obey your word.
68 How good you are—how kind!
Teach me your commands.
69 The proud have told lies about me,
but with all my heart I obey your instructions.
70 They have no understanding,
but I find pleasure in your law.
71 My punishment was good for me,
because it made me learn your commands.
72 The law that you gave means more to me
than all the money in the world.
The Justice of the Law of the Lord
73 You created me, and you keep me safe;
give me understanding, so that I may learn your laws.
74 Those who honor you will be glad when they see me,
because I trust in your promise.
75 I know that your judgments are righteous, Lord,
and that you punished me because you are faithful.
76 Let your constant love comfort me,
as you have promised me, your servant.
77 Have mercy on me, and I will live
because I take pleasure in your law.
78 May the proud be ashamed for falsely accusing me;
as for me, I will meditate on your instructions.
79 May those who honor you come to me—
all those who know your commands.
80 May I perfectly obey your commandments
and be spared the shame of defeat.
A Prayer for Deliverance
81 I am worn out, Lord, waiting for you to save me;
I place my trust in your word.
82 My eyes are tired from watching for what you promised,
while I ask, “When will you help me?”
83 I am as useless as a discarded wineskin;
yet I have not forgotten your commands.
84 How much longer must I wait?
When will you punish those who persecute me?
85 The proud, who do not obey your law,
have dug pits to trap me.
86 Your commandments are all trustworthy;
people persecute me with lies—help me!
87 They have almost succeeded in killing me,
but I have not neglected your commands.
88 Because of your constant love be good to me,
so that I may obey your laws.
Faith in the Law of the Lord
89 Your word, O Lord, will last forever;
it is eternal in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness endures through all the ages;
you have set the earth in place, and it remains.
91 All things remain to this day because of your command,
because they are all your servants.
92 If your law had not been the source of my joy,
I would have died from my sufferings.
93 I will never neglect your instructions,
because by them you have kept me alive.
94 I am yours—save me!
I have tried to obey your commands.
95 The wicked are waiting to kill me,
but I will meditate on your laws.
96 I have learned that everything has limits;
but your commandment is perfect.
Love for the Law of the Lord
97 How I love your law!
I think about it all day long.
98 Your commandment is with me all the time
and makes me wiser than my enemies.
99 I understand more than all my teachers,
because I meditate on your instructions.
100 I have greater wisdom than those who are old,
because I obey your commands.
101 I have avoided all evil conduct,
because I want to obey your word.
102 I have not neglected your instructions,
because you yourself are my teacher.
103 How sweet is the taste of your instructions—
sweeter even than honey!
104 I gain wisdom from your laws,
and so I hate all bad conduct.
Light from the Law of the Lord
105 Your word is a lamp to guide me
and a light for my path.
106 I will keep my solemn promise
to obey your just instructions.
107 My sufferings, Lord, are terrible indeed;
keep me alive, as you have promised.
108 Accept my prayer of thanks, O Lord,
and teach me your commands.
109 I am always ready to risk my life;
I have not forgotten your law.
110 The wicked lay a trap for me,
but I have not disobeyed your commands.
111 Your commandments are my eternal possession;
they are the joy of my heart.
112 I have decided to obey your laws
until the day I die.
Safety in the Law of the Lord
113 I hate those who are not completely loyal to you,
but I love your law.
114 You are my defender and protector;
I put my hope in your promise.
115 Go away from me, you sinful people.
I will obey the commands of my God.
116 Give me strength, as you promised, and I shall live;
don't let me be disappointed in my hope!
117 Hold me, and I will be safe,
and I will always pay attention to your commands.
118 You reject everyone who disobeys your laws;
their deceitful schemes are useless.
119 You treat all the wicked like rubbish,
and so I love your instructions.
120 Because of you I am afraid;
I am filled with fear because of your judgments.
Obedience to the Law of the Lord
121 I have done what is right and good;
don't abandon me to my enemies!
122 Promise that you will help your servant;
don't let the arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes are tired from watching for your saving help,
for the deliverance you promised.
124 Treat me according to your constant love,
and teach me your commands.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
so that I may know your teachings.
126 Lord, it is time for you to act,
because people are disobeying your law.
127 I love your commands more than gold,
more than the finest gold.
128 And so I follow all your instructions;
I hate all wrong ways.
Desire to Obey the Law of the Lord
129 Your teachings are wonderful;
I obey them with all my heart.
130 The explanation of your teachings gives light
and brings wisdom to the ignorant.
131 In my desire for your commands
I pant with open mouth.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me
as you do on all those who love you.
133 As you have promised, keep me from falling;
don't let me be overcome by evil.
134 Save me from those who oppress me,
so that I may obey your commands.
135 Bless me with your presence
and teach me your laws.
136 My tears pour down like a river,
because people do not obey your law.
The Justice of the Law of the Lord
137 You are righteous, Lord,
and your laws are just.
138 The rules that you have given
are completely fair and right.
139 My anger burns in me like a fire,
because my enemies disregard your commands.
140 How certain your promise is!
How I love it!
141 I am unimportant and despised,
but I do not neglect your teachings.
142 Your righteousness will last forever,
and your law is always true.
143 I am filled with trouble and anxiety,
but your commandments bring me joy.
144 Your instructions are always just;
give me understanding, and I shall live.
A Prayer for Deliverance
145 With all my heart I call to you;
answer me, Lord, and I will obey your commands!
146 I call to you;
save me, and I will keep your laws.
147 Before sunrise I call to you for help;
I place my hope in your promise.
148 All night long I lie awake,
to meditate on your instructions.
149 Because your love is constant, hear me, O Lord;
show your mercy, and preserve my life!
150 My cruel persecutors are coming closer,
people who never keep your law.
151 But you are near to me, Lord,
and all your commands are permanent.
152 Long ago I learned about your instructions;
you made them to last forever.
A Plea for Help
153 Look at my suffering, and save me,
because I have not neglected your law.
154 Defend my cause, and set me free;
save me, as you have promised.
155 The wicked will not be saved,
for they do not obey your laws.
156 But your compassion, Lord, is great;
show your mercy and save me!
157 I have many enemies and oppressors,
but I do not fail to obey your laws.
158 When I look at those traitors, I am filled with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159 See how I love your instructions, Lord.
Your love never changes, so save me!
160 The heart of your law is truth,
and all your righteous judgments are eternal.
Dedication to the Law of the Lord
161 Powerful people attack me unjustly,
but I respect your law.
162 How happy I am because of your promises—
as happy as someone who finds rich treasure.
163 I hate and detest all lies,
but I love your law.
164 Seven times each day I thank you
for your righteous judgments.
165 Those who love your law have perfect security,
and there is nothing that can make them fall.
166 I wait for you to save me, Lord,
and I do what you command.
167 I obey your teachings;
I love them with all my heart.
168 I obey your commands and your instructions;
you see everything I do.
A Prayer for Help
169 Let my cry for help reach you, Lord!
Give me understanding, as you have promised.
170 Listen to my prayer,
and save me according to your promise!
171 I will always praise you,
because you teach me your laws.
172 I will sing about your law,
because your commands are just.
173 Always be ready to help me,
because I follow your commands.
174 How I long for your saving help, O Lord!
I find happiness in your law.
175 Give me life, so that I may praise you;
may your instructions help me.
176 I wander about like a lost sheep;
so come and look for me, your servant,
because I have not neglected your laws.