Psalm 119:121-144

The Voice

¹²¹ I have lived with fairness and integrity;
    do not leave me at the mercy of my tormenters.
¹²² Provide security and protection for Your servant’s welfare;
    do not let the proud oppress me.
¹²³ My eyes are strained as I look for Your salvation
    and for Your righteous promise to be fulfilled.
¹²⁴ Treat Your servant in a manner that shows Your unfailing love,
    and help me to learn Your decrees.
¹²⁵ I am Your servant; impart to me understanding
    so that I may fully grasp the depths of Your statutes.
¹²⁶ It is time for the Eternal to step in and do something
    because some have broken Your law.
¹²⁷ Indeed, I love Your commands
    more than gold, even more than the highest quality gold.
¹²⁸ It’s true that I regard all Your guidance to be correct and good;
    I despise every deceptive path.

¹²⁹ Your decrees inspire wonder;
    because of that, my soul desires to keep them.
¹³⁰ When Your words are unveiled, light shines forth;
    they bring understanding to the simple.
¹³¹ My desire for Your commands
    left me waiting, open-mouthed and panting.
¹³² Acknowledge me and show me Your grace
    as is Your habit toward all those who love Your name.
¹³³ Guide my steps in the ways of Your word,
    and do not let any sin control me.
¹³⁴ Rescue me from the torment of my human oppressors
    so that I may live according Your decrees.
¹³⁵ Let Your face shine upon Your servant,
    and help me to learn what You require.
¹³⁶ My eyes shed rivers of tears
    whenever people fail to keep Your teaching.

¹³⁷ You are good and just, O Eternal One,
    and Your rulings are right.
¹³⁸ You have set out Your decrees in justice,
    and they can be trusted.
¹³⁹ I am overwhelmed by my passion
    because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promise is tested and true;
    that’s why Your servant loves it.
¹⁴¹ I may be insignificant to some and hated by others,
    but at least I do not forget Your precepts.
¹⁴² Your righteousness will last forever,
    and Your law is truth.
¹⁴³ Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
    but Your commandments bring me great joy.
¹⁴⁴ Your decrees are right and true forever;
    grant me understanding so that I may live.