12 ^[a]1 Ephraim^(A) feeds on the wind;^(B)
    he pursues the east wind all day
    and multiplies lies and violence.^(C)
He makes a treaty with Assyria^(D)
    and sends olive oil to Egypt.^(E)
2 The Lord has a charge^(F) to bring against Judah;^(G)
    he will punish^(H) Jacob^[b] according to his ways
    and repay him according to his deeds.^(I)
3 In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel;^(J)
    as a man he struggled^(K) with God.
⁴ He struggled with the angel and overcame him;
    he wept and begged for his favor.
He found him at Bethel^(L)
    and talked with him there—
⁵ the Lord God Almighty,
    the Lord is his name!^(M)
6 But you must return^(N) to your God;
    maintain love and justice,^(O)
    and wait for your God always.^(P)

¹ Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,^(A)
    who walk^(B) according to the law of the Lord.^(C)
2 Blessed^(D) are those who keep his statutes^(E)
    and seek him^(F) with all their heart—^(G)
3 they do no wrong^(H)
    but follow his ways.^(I)
4 You have laid down precepts^(J)
    that are to be fully obeyed.^(K)
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
    in obeying your decrees!^(L)
6 Then I would not be put to shame^(M)
    when I consider all your commands.^(N)
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
    as I learn your righteous laws.^(O)
8 I will obey your decrees;
    do not utterly forsake me.^(P)

⁹ How can a young person stay on the path of purity?^(Q)
    By living according to your word.^(R)
10 I seek you with all my heart;^(S)
    do not let me stray from your commands.^(T)
11 I have hidden your word in my heart^(U)
    that I might not sin^(V) against you.
¹² Praise be^(W) to you, Lord;
    teach me^(X) your decrees.^(Y)
13 With my lips I recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.^(Z)
14 I rejoice in following your statutes^(AA)
    as one rejoices in great riches.
¹⁵ I meditate on your precepts^(AB)
    and consider your ways.
¹⁶ I delight^(AC) in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.

¹⁷ Be good to your servant^(AD) while I live,
    that I may obey your word.^(AE)
18 Open my eyes that I may see
    wonderful things in your law.
¹⁹ I am a stranger on earth;^(AF)
    do not hide your commands from me.
²⁰ My soul is consumed^(AG) with longing
    for your laws^(AH) at all times.
²¹ You rebuke the arrogant,^(AI) who are accursed,^(AJ)
    those who stray^(AK) from your commands.
²² Remove from me their scorn^(AL) and contempt,
    for I keep your statutes.^(AM)
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
    your servant will meditate on your decrees.
²⁴ Your statutes are my delight;
    they are my counselors.

²⁵ I am laid low in the dust;^(AN)
    preserve my life^(AO) according to your word.^(AP)
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
    teach me your decrees.^(AQ)
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
    that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.^(AR)
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;^(AS)
    strengthen me^(AT) according to your word.^(AU)
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;^(AV)
    be gracious to me^(AW) and teach me your law.
³⁰ I have chosen^(AX) the way of faithfulness;^(AY)
    I have set my heart^(AZ) on your laws.
³¹ I hold fast^(BA) to your statutes, Lord;
    do not let me be put to shame.
³² I run in the path of your commands,
    for you have broadened my understanding.

³³ Teach me,^(BB) Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.^[b]
34 Give me understanding,^(BC) so that I may keep your law^(BD)
    and obey it with all my heart.^(BE)
35 Direct me^(BF) in the path of your commands,^(BG)
    for there I find delight.^(BH)
36 Turn my heart^(BI) toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.^(BJ)
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life^(BK) according to your word.^[c](BL)
38 Fulfill your promise^(BM) to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
³⁹ Take away the disgrace^(BN) I dread,
    for your laws are good.
⁴⁰ How I long^(BO) for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.^(BP)