I rise at midnight to thank you
for your just regulations.
I am a friend to anyone who fears you—
anyone who obeys your commandments.
O LORD, your unfailing love fills the earth;
teach me your decrees.
You have done many good things for me, LORD,
just as you promised.
I believe in your commands;
now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
but now I closely follow your word.
You are good and do only good;
teach me your decrees.
Arrogant people smear me with lies,
but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.
Their hearts are dull and stupid,
but I delight in your instructions.
My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
Your instructions are more valuable to me
than millions in gold and silver.
You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
for I have put my hope in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair;
you disciplined me because I needed it.
Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
just as you promised me, your servant.
Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
for your instructions are my delight.
Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
Let me be united with all who fear you,
with those who know your laws.
May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
then I will never be ashamed.
I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
but I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
When will you comfort me?
I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.
How long must I wait?
When will you punish those who persecute me?
These arrogant people who hate your instructions
have dug deep pits to trap me.
All your commands are trustworthy.
Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.
They almost finished me off,
but I refused to abandon your commandments.
In your unfailing love, spare my life;
then I can continue to obey your laws.
Your eternal word, O LORD,
stands firm in heaven.
Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
as enduring as the earth you created.
Your regulations remain true to this day,
for everything serves your plans.
If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,
I would have died in my misery.
I will never forget your commandments,
for by them you give me life.
I am yours; rescue me!
For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.
Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.
Even perfection has its limits,
but your commands have no limit.
Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are my constant guide.
Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your laws.
I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept your commandments.
I have refused to walk on any evil path,
so that I may remain obedient to your word.
I haven’t turned away from your regulations,
for you have taught me well.
How sweet your words taste to me;
they are sweeter than honey.
Your commandments give me understanding;
no wonder I hate every false way of life.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:
I will obey your righteous regulations.
I have suffered much, O LORD;
restore my life again as you promised.
LORD, accept my offering of praise,
and teach me your regulations.
My life constantly hangs in the balance,
but I will not stop obeying your instructions.
The wicked have set their traps for me,
but I will not turn from your commandments.
Your laws are my treasure;
they are my heart’s delight.
I am determined to keep your decrees
to the very end.
I hate those with divided loyalties,
but I love your instructions.
You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.
Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,
for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
Do not let my hope be crushed.
Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees.
They are only fooling themselves.
You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;
no wonder I love to obey your laws!
I tremble in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your regulations.
Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies,
for I have done what is just and right.
Please guarantee a blessing for me.
Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!
My eyes strain to see your rescue,
to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,
and teach me your decrees.
Give discernment to me, your servant;
then I will understand your laws.
LORD, it is time for you to act,
for these evil people have violated your instructions.
Truly, I love your commands
more than gold, even the finest gold.
Each of your commandments is right.
That is why I hate every false way.
Your laws are wonderful.
No wonder I obey them!
The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.
I pant with expectation,
longing for your commands.
Come and show me your mercy,
as you do for all who love your name.
Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.
Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.
Look upon me with love;
teach me your decrees.
Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
because people disobey your instructions.
O LORD, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.
Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.
I am overwhelmed with indignation,
for my enemies have disregarded your words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.
I am insignificant and despised,
but I don’t forget your commandments.
Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.
As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live.
I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD!
I will obey your decrees.
I cry out to you; rescue me,
that I may obey your laws.
I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
Bible App
Bible App for Kids
