HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 914
P S A LM 1 1 9
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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.
Yodh
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.
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• Wisdom
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PSALM 1 1 9 :9 7 -1 0 6
When hiking unfamiliar territory, even the
most adventurous camper takes along
a flashlight and a trail map. Life is filled
with darkness and divergent, confusing
pathways. Where are we going? Which
paths should we take? The psalmist says
that our map is the Word of God and that
our light on the path is God’s wisdom.
Are you stumbling in the darkness, trying
to find your way in this world? There’s
no better time to look for direction and
enlightenment in God’s Word. Attention
to wisdom now can prevent all sorts of
catastrophes and wasted time down
the road.
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Kaph
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.
Lamedh
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.
Mem
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.