69The arrogant have forged a lie against me;
         With all my heart I will observe Your precepts.

70Their heart is covered with fat,
         But I delight in Your law.

71It is good for me that I was afflicted,
         That I may learn Your statutes.

72The law of Your mouth is better to me
         Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh.

73Your hands made me and fashioned me;
         Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

74May those who fear You see me and be glad,
         Because I wait for Your word.

75I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous,
         And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

76O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,
         According to Your word to Your servant.

77May Your compassion come to me that I may live,
         For Your law is my delight.

78May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie;
         But I shall meditate on Your precepts.

79May those who fear You turn to me,
         Even those who know Your testimonies.

80May my heart be blameless in Your statutes,
         So that I will not be ashamed.

Kaph.

81My soul languishes for Your salvation;
         I wait for Your word.

82My eyes fail with longing for Your word,
         While I say, “When will You comfort me?”

83Though I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
         I do not forget Your statutes.

84How many are the days of Your servant?
         When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?

85The arrogant have dug pits for me,
         Men who are not in accord with Your law.

86All Your commandments are faithful;
         They have persecuted me with a lie; help me!

87They almost destroyed me on earth,
         But as for me, I did not forsake Your precepts.

88Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
         So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

NASB ©1995