Psalms 119 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

Life is good for those whose path is whole — who walk in step with the instruction of Yahweh.

Life is good for those who hold tight to his declarations, who look for him with everything in them.

They do nothing corrupt — they walk in his ways.

You yourself laid down your guidelines to be kept with full intention.

If only my ways were steady enough to keep your boundaries!

Then I would never be put to shame, because I could look straight at all your commands.

I will praise you with a heart that's been set right, as I learn your just decisions.

I will keep your boundaries — please don't completely abandon me.

How does someone young keep their path clean? By guarding it the way your word describes.

With everything in me I've looked for you — don't let me wander from your commands.

I've stored up what you've said deep inside me so I won't fail you.

You are worth praising, Yahweh — teach me your boundaries.

With my own lips I've recounted every just decision you've spoken.

I find more joy in the way your declarations lead me than in any amount of wealth.

I will think deeply about your guidelines and keep my eyes fixed on your paths.

Your boundaries are my delight — I will not forget what you've said.

Be good to the one who serves you, and I will live — I will keep what you've said.

Open my eyes so I can see the extraordinary things hidden in your instruction.

I am just passing through this earth — don't hide your commands from me.

My whole being aches with longing for your just decisions at every moment.

You confront the arrogant — they are cursed, the ones who stray from your commands.

Roll away the contempt and scorn from me — I have held tight to your declarations.

Even when powerful people sit together and plot against me, the one who serves you thinks deeply about your boundaries.

Your declarations are my delight — they are the advisors I turn to.

I'm face-down in the dust — bring me back to life the way you promised.

I laid my ways out before you and you answered me — teach me your boundaries.

Help me understand the way your guidelines work, and I will think deeply about your extraordinary acts.

My whole being weeps from grief — lift me up the way you promised.

Keep me far from any path of deception — and be generous to me with your instruction.

I've chosen the way of faithfulness — I've set your just decisions right in front of me.

I've held tight to your declarations, Yahweh — don't let me be humiliated.

I will run the path of your commands because you have set my heart free.

Teach me the way your boundaries work, Yahweh, and I will follow it all the way to the end.

Give me understanding and I will guard your instruction — I will keep it with everything in me.

Lead me down the trail of your commands — that's where I find my joy.

Turn my heart toward your declarations and away from selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things — bring me back to life on your path.

Make good on what you promised to the one who serves you — the promise that leads to honoring you.

Take away the disgrace that I dread — your just decisions are good.

Look — I long for your guidelines! Bring me back to life through your justice.

Let your loyal love reach me, Yahweh — your rescue, just as you promised.

Then I'll have an answer for anyone who mocks me, because I trust in what you've said.

Don't ever take the word of truth completely out of my mouth — I've put my hope in your just decisions.

I will keep your instruction always — forever and beyond.

I will walk in wide-open freedom because I have searched out your guidelines.

I will speak about your declarations in front of kings and I won't be ashamed.

I find my delight in your commands — I love them deeply.

I reach out my hands toward your commands that I love, and I think deeply about your boundaries.

Remember what you said to the one who serves you — the promise you gave me to hold onto.

This is what keeps me going when I suffer: your promise breathes life into me.