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121 I did what was fair and right!
Don't hand me over to those
    who want to mistreat me.
122 Take good care of me,
    your servant,
and don't let me be harmed
    by those conceited people.
123 My eyes are weary from waiting
to see you keep your promise
    to come and save me.
124 Show your love for me,
your servant,
    and teach me your laws.
125 I serve you,
so let me understand
    your teachings.
126 Do something, Lord!
    They have broken your Law.
127 Your laws mean more to me
    than the finest gold.
128 I follow all your commands,[a]
but I hate anyone
    who leads me astray.

129 Your teachings are wonderful,
    and I respect them all.
130 Understanding your word
brings light to the minds
    of ordinary people.
131 I honestly want to know
    everything you teach.
132 Think about me and be kind,
just as you are to everyone
    who loves your name.
133 Keep your promise
and don't let me stumble
    or let sin control my life.
134 Protect me from abuse,
    so I can obey your laws.
135 Smile on me, your servant,
    and teach me your laws.
136 When anyone disobeys you,
    my eyes overflow with tears.

137 Our Lord, you always do right,
    and your decisions are fair.
138 All your teachings are true
    and trustworthy.
139 It upsets me greatly
when my enemies neglect
    your teachings.
140 Your word to me, your servant,
is like pure gold;
    I treasure what you say.
141 Everyone calls me a nobody,
    but I remember your laws.
142 You will always do right,
    and your teachings are true.
143 I am in deep distress,
    but I love your teachings.
144 Your rules are always fair.
Help me to understand them
    and live.

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Footnotes

  1. 119.128 I … commands: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

ע Ayin

121 I have done what is righteous and just;(A)
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being;(B)
    do not let the arrogant oppress me.(C)
123 My eyes fail,(D) looking for your salvation,(E)
    looking for your righteous promise.(F)
124 Deal with your servant according to your love(G)
    and teach me your decrees.(H)
125 I am your servant;(I) give me discernment
    that I may understand your statutes.(J)
126 It is time for you to act, Lord;
    your law is being broken.(K)
127 Because I love your commands(L)
    more than gold,(M) more than pure gold,(N)
128 and because I consider all your precepts right,(O)
    I hate every wrong path.(P)

פ Pe

129 Your statutes are wonderful;(Q)
    therefore I obey them.(R)
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;(S)
    it gives understanding to the simple.(T)
131 I open my mouth and pant,(U)
    longing for your commands.(V)
132 Turn to me(W) and have mercy(X) on me,
    as you always do to those who love your name.(Y)
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word;(Z)
    let no sin rule(AA) over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,(AB)
    that I may obey your precepts.(AC)
135 Make your face shine(AD) on your servant
    and teach me your decrees.(AE)
136 Streams of tears(AF) flow from my eyes,
    for your law is not obeyed.(AG)

צ Tsadhe

137 You are righteous,(AH) Lord,
    and your laws are right.(AI)
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;(AJ)
    they are fully trustworthy.(AK)
139 My zeal wears me out,(AL)
    for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises(AM) have been thoroughly tested,(AN)
    and your servant loves them.(AO)
141 Though I am lowly and despised,(AP)
    I do not forget your precepts.(AQ)
142 Your righteousness is everlasting
    and your law is true.(AR)
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
    but your commands give me delight.(AS)
144 Your statutes are always righteous;
    give me understanding(AT) that I may live.

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