August 31, 2025 “The Heart of the Matter”

    but I do not stray from your precepts.
¹¹¹ Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
    for they are the joy of my heart.
¹¹² I incline my heart to perform your statutes
    forever, to the end.^[a]

¹¹³ I hate the double-minded,
    but I love your law.
¹¹⁴ You are my hiding place and my shield;
    I hope in your word.
¹¹⁵ Depart from me, you evildoers,
    that I may keep the commandments of my God.
¹¹⁶ Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
    and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
¹¹⁷ Hold me up, that I may be safe
    and have regard for your statutes continually!
¹¹⁸ You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
    for their cunning is in vain.
¹¹⁹ All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
    therefore I love your testimonies.
¹²⁰ My flesh trembles for fear of you,
    and I am afraid of your judgments.

¹²¹ I have done what is just and right;
    do not leave me to my oppressors.
¹²² Give your servant a pledge of good;
    let not the insolent oppress me.
¹²³ My eyes long for your salvation
    and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
¹²⁴ Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
    and teach me your statutes.
¹²⁵ I am your servant; give me understanding,
    that I may know your testimonies!
¹²⁶ It is time for the Lord to act,
    for your law has been broken.
¹²⁷ Therefore I love your commandments
    above gold, above fine gold.
¹²⁸ Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
    I hate every false way.

¹²⁹ Your testimonies are wonderful;
    therefore my soul keeps them.
¹³⁰ The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
¹³¹ I open my mouth and pant,
    because I long for your commandments.
¹³² Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    as is your way with those who love your name.
¹³³ Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
    and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
¹³⁴ Redeem me from man’s oppression,
    that I may keep your precepts.
¹³⁵ Make your face shine upon your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.
¹³⁶ My eyes shed streams of tears,
    because people do not keep your law.

¹³⁷ Righteous are you, O Lord,
    and right are your rules.
¹³⁸ You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
    and in all faithfulness.
¹³⁹ My zeal consumes me,
    because my foes forget your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promise is well tried,
    and your servant loves it.