33-40 God, teach me lessons for living
    so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
    my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
    I love traveling this freeway!
Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom,
    and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
    invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
    promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
    but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
    preserve my life through your righteous ways!

* * *

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ה He

33 Teach me,(A) Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.[a]
34 Give me understanding,(B) so that I may keep your law(C)
    and obey it with all my heart.(D)
35 Direct me(E) in the path of your commands,(F)
    for there I find delight.(G)
36 Turn my heart(H) toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.(I)
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life(J) according to your word.[b](K)
38 Fulfill your promise(L) to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace(M) I dread,
    for your laws are good.
40 How I long(N) for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.(O)

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward
  2. Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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