Paul to the Ephesians

by Frederick Hoehn, copyright 2013, all rights reserved.

The Apostle Paul was the most prolific of the writers of the New Testament, indeed, of the writers of the Bible, having written fourteen books, namely: Romans, 1st & 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st & 2nd Thessalonians, 1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews.

The New Testament, of course, is the twenty seven books from Matthew to Revelation.  The Old Testament is the thirty nine books from Genesis to Malachi, for a total of sixty six books in the Bible.

Bible scholars have debated about who wrote Hebrews.  It’s simple, Paul the Apostle.  How do I know?  Because the Lord gave some visions to Kenneth E. Hagin.

In one of those visions, Hagin asked the Lord if Paul was the author of Hebrews.  The Lord said yes.  Seems like that’s in Hagin’s book, “I believe in visions,” available at www.Rhema.org   When you get to the home page, click on “bookstore.”

The Ephesians are those who live in the city of Ephesus.  Probably not the whole city of Ephesus read Paul’s letter.  The letter is to the saints at Ephesus—the believers—the Christians.  Paul would have been happy if the whole city had read his letter, since Paul was extremely evangelical.  Paul would have liked the whole world to get born again and go to heaven.   So would I.

Unfortunately, there are various reasons why people don’t accept Jesus as Savior.  The Jews were apparently looking for a Messiah, a Savior, who would set up an earthly kingdom.

But Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”  The Jews got it wrong.  Jesus is their Messiah.  He is Yeshua Ha Meshia.  So what will happen?  A counterfeit messiah will come along called the Beast, or the Antichrist.  Both names are used.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” (Hosea 4:6)

Some people reject salvation for the reasons in the parable of the planter: the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:19)

Some reject salvation because of the things in 1 John 2:15-17,

15 Don't love the world, nor the things that are in the world.  If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passes away and its lust, but he that does the will of God lives forever.

I think maybe it was one of those that sent my Dad to hell.  I don’t know that he had a problem with lust, but he had a lot of pride.  He was a pretty smart guy, and did well on I.Q. tests, but that doesn’t get you to heaven.

He said he was an Atheist.  For a smarter than average fellow, that’s very dumb.  God says, “The fool has said in his heart there’s no God.” (Psa 14:1)

I went to grammar school with Virginia.  She was written up in Life magazine for her very high I.Q.  In her youth she was Jewish, but later, she became an Atheist.  Not smart at all.

This life is for getting right with God, so that when you cross over into eternity, you go to be with Him in heaven, instead of going to hell.

But the Apostle Paul, of course, before converting to Christianity, was Saul of Tarsus, a Jew who persecuted Christians.  When the Christian, Stephen, was stoned, the young man, Saul of Tarsus, kept the garments of those doing the stoning, and was in agreement with what they were doing.  (Acts chapter 8)

And then in Acts chapter 9, verse numbers

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

2 And desired from him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, so that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he could bring them to Jerusalem in handcuffs.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shined around him,

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

5 And he said, "Who are you, Lord?"  And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom you're persecuting, it is hard for you to kick against the sharp points."

6 And he, trembling and astonished said, "Lord, what do you want me to do?"  And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go into the city, and you'll be told what you must do."

7 And the men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul got up from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one, but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was without sight for three days, and didn't eat or drink.

And then God sent Ananias to help Paul.  It was on the road to Damascus that Paul converted to Christianity, as Paul was on the way to persecute the Christians at Damascus.

But what made the difference?  Well, you see, if the Lord knocks you down on the road, and asks you why you’re persecuting him, that will get your attention.  It also showed Paul that Jesus was alive, though not still on earth.

It showed Paul that Christianity was not some kind of cult, and that Paul had better start serving Jesus rather than Jewish traditions.  So he did.

Ephesians has the very important Eph 4:32,  “And be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, like God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.”

In another scripture, Jesus said if we don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive us.  (Matt 6:15)

In Ephesians chapter six, we have the weapons with which Christians should gird themselves for warfare against our adversary, the devil.

Ephesians six gives us the four categories of demons:  Princedoms, Powers, Rulers of the Darkness of this World, and Wicked Spirits in High Places.  Kenneth E. Hagin has taught on these.

Here then is Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, from the Holy Bible, Hoehn Version, which is also available at Amazon.com

The Lord bless you.

Frederick Hoehn

www.FredHoehnMinistries.com

___Ephesians chapter 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus,

2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ,

4 Since he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy and without blame before him in love,

5 Having chosen us beforehand to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he has made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,

8 In which he has given us an abundance of all wisdom and prudence,

9 Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he has purposed in himself,

10 So that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he would gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him,

11 In whom we have also obtained an inheritance, being chosen beforehand, according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will,

12 So that we would be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13 In whom you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the down payment of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.

15 So I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints,

16 Don't stop giving thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers,

17 So that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,

18 The eyes of your understanding being illuminated, so that you'll know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he accomplished in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in the world to come,

22 And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.

___Ephesians chapter 2

1 And he has made you alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

2 That you walked in, in the past, according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience,

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in the past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of anger, like others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, has made us alive together with Christ, (by grace you are saved,)

6 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 So that in the ages to come he would show the great riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace you're saved through faith, and not faith of yourselves, it is the gift of God,

9 Not of works, so that no man will boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has appointed beforehand for us to walk in them.

11 So, remember that you, being in the past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands,

12 That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world,

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us,

15 Having abolished in his flesh the hostility, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, to make in himself from two, one new man, so making peace,

16 And so that he would reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having killed the hostility by that means,

17 And came and preached peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

19 Now therefore you're no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,

20 And have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the main cornerstone,

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together grows up to a holy temple in the Lord,

22 In whom you also are built together for a house of God through the Spirit.

___Ephesians chapter 3

1 For this cause I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If you've heard of the dispensation of the grace of God that has been given to me for you,

3 How by revelation he made known to me the mystery, (as I wrote before in few words,

4 So that when you read, you'll understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),

5 Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,

6 So that the Gentiles would be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel,

7 Of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of his power.

8 To me, who am less than the least of all saints, has this grace been given, so that I would preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ,

10 So that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places would be known by the church the multifaceted wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose that he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord,

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

13 So I desire that you don't faint at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 So that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man,

17 So that Christ will live in your hearts by faith, so that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 Will be able to understand with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height,

19 And to know the love of Christ, that passes knowledge, so you'll be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him that is able to do far above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

21 To him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen.

___Ephesians chapter 4

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, ask you please to walk worthy of the vocation with which you're called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, patient with each other in love,

3 Trying to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, just as you are called in one hope of your calling,

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But grace has been given to every one of us, according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 So he says, "When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, so that he would fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets, and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers,

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,

13 Until we all come to be united in the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

14 So that from now on, we won't anymore be children, tossed back and forth, and carried around by every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, by which they wait in ambush to deceive,

15 But speaking the truth in love, will grow up into him in all things, who is the head, who is Christ,

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effective working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body to the building up of itself in love.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that from now on, don't walk like other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts,

19 Who being past feeling, have given themselves over to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But that's not the Christ you've learned,

21 If you've heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus,

22 That you put off concerning the former lifestyle the old man, that is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

24 And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 So, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor, for we are members of each other.

26 Don't be angry, and don't sin, don't let the sun go down on your anger,

27 And don't give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, so that he'll have something to give to the needy.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, so that it will minister grace to the hearers.

30 And don't grieve the holy Spirit of God, by which you're sealed until the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all hatred,

32 And be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, like God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.

___Ephesians chapter 5

1 Therefore be followers of God, like dear children,

2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling odor.

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as is right for saints,

4 Nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor kidding around, which are not convenient, but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this you know, that no customer of prostitutes, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words, for because of these things the anger of God comes on the children of disobedience.

7 Therefore, don't be partakers with them.

8 For you were sometimes darkness, but now you're light in the Lord, walk like children of light,

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,)

10 Proving what is acceptable to the Lord.

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather correct them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak about the things that are done by them in secret.

13 But all things that are reproved are made clear by the light, for whatever makes clear is light.

14 So he says, "Awake you who sleeps, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light."

15 Make sure then that you conduct yourselves looking in all directions, not like fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 So don't be unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

18 And don't be drunk with wine, in which is excess, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

20 Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

21 Submitting yourselves to each other in the fear of God.

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, like to the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church, and he is the savior of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, like Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it,

26 So that he would sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 So that he would present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 Men ought to love their wives like their own bodies.  He that loves his wife loves himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, like the Lord does with the church,

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

31 For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and the two of them shall be one flesh.

32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

33 Anyway, let every one of you in particular love his wife like himself, and the wife see that she respects her husband.

___Ephesians chapter 6

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

2 Honor your father and mother, (which is the first commandment with promise,)

3 So that it will be well with you, and so you'll live long on the earth.

4 And you fathers, don't provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

5 Servants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, like to Christ,

6 Not with eye service, as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

7 With good will doing service, like to the Lord, and not to men,

8 Knowing that whatever good thing any man does, he'll receive the same from the Lord, whether he's a bondman or free.

9 And you masters, do the same things to them, without threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven, nor is there respect of persons with him.

10 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, so you'll be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but against princedoms, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places.

13 So, take to yourselves the whole armor of God, so you'll be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins clothed with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 And for shoes, the preparation of the gospel of peace,

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you'll be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and staying awake regarding that, with all perseverance and supplication for all saints,

19 And for me, that a way to speak will be given to me, so that I can open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds, so that in it I can speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But so that you'll also know my affairs, and how I'm doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things,

22 Whom I have sent to you for the same purpose, so that you'll know our affairs, and so he'll comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the bothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Grace be with all of those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.  Amen.

___Psalm 119

1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

3 They also don't sin, they walk in his ways.

4 You've commanded us to keep your precepts diligently.

5 O that my ways were directed to keep your statutes!

6 Then I won't be ashamed, when I have respect to all your commandments.

7 I'll praise you with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned your righteous judgments.

8 I'll keep your statutes, O don't completely forsake me.

9 How shall a young man cleanse his way?  By giving heed to your word.

10 I've sought you with my whole heart, O don't let me wander from your commandments.

11 I've hidden your word in my heart so that I won't sin against you.

12 Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes.

13 I've declared with my lips all the judgments of your mouth.

14 I've rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.

15 I'll meditate in your precepts, and have respect to your ways.

16 I'll delight myself in your statutes, I won't forget your word.

17 Deal abundantly with your servant, so I can live, and keep your word.

18 Open my eyes so that I'll see wondrous things out of your law.

19 I'm a stranger in the earth, don't hide your commandments from me.

20 My soul breaks for the longing that it has to your judgments at all times.

21 You've reprimanded the proud that are cursed, who err from your commandments.

22 Remove reproach and contempt from me, for I've kept your testimonies.

23 Princes also sat and spoke against me, but your servant meditated in your statutes.

24 Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.

25 My soul sticks to the dust, make me alive according to your word.

26 I've declared my ways, and you heard me, teach me your statutes.

27 Make me to understand the way of your precepts, so I shall talk of your wondrous works.

28 My soul melts for heaviness, strengthen me according to your word.

29 Remove the way of lying from me, and grant me your law graciously.

30 I've chosen the way of truth, I've laid your judgments before me.

31 I've stuck to your testimonies, O Lord, don't put me to shame.

32 I will run the way of your commandments, when you enlarge my heart.

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I'll keep it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I'll keep your law, yes, I'll observe it with my whole heart.

35 Make me to go in the path of your commandments, for in it I delight.

36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to covetousness.

37 Turn my eyes away from seeing vanity, and make me alive in your way.

38 Establish your word to your servant, who is devoted to your fear.

39 Turn away my reproach that I fear, for your judgments are good.

40 See, I've longed after your precepts, make alive me in your righteousness.

41 Let your mercies come also to me, O Lord, your salvation, according to your word.

42 So I shall have what to answer to him that reproaches me, for I trust in your word.

43 And don't take the word of truth completely out of my mouth, for I've hoped in your judgments.

44 So I shall keep your law continually forever and always.

45 And I'll walk at liberty, for I seek your precepts.

46 I will speak of your testimonies also before kings, and won't be ashamed.

47 And I'll delight myself in your commandments that I've loved.

48 I will also lift up my hands to your commandments that I have loved, and I will meditate in your statutes.

49 Remember the word to your servant, on which you have caused me to hope.

50 This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has made me alive.

51 The proud have had me greatly in derision, yet I haven't declined from your law.

52 I remembered your judgments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself.

53 Horror has taken hold on me because of the wicked that forsake your law.

54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

55 I've remembered your name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept your law.

56 This I had, because I kept your precepts.

57 You are my portion, O Lord, I've said that I would keep your words.

58 I entreated your favor with my whole heart, be merciful to me according to your word.

59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet to your testimonies.

60 I made haste, and didn't delay to keep your commandments.

61 The gangs of the wicked have robbed me, but I haven't forgotten your law.

62 At midnight I'll rise to give thanks to you because of your righteous judgments.

63 I'm a companion of all of those who fear you, and of those who keep your precepts.

64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your mercy, teach me your statutes.

65 You've dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I've believed your commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I've kept your word.

68 You are good, and do good, teach me your statutes.

69 The proud have forged a lie against me, but I'll keep your precepts with my whole heart.

70 Their heart is as fat as grease, but I delight in your law.

71 It is good for me that I've been afflicted, so that I would learn your statutes.

72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver.

73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me, give me understanding, so I will learn your commandments.

74 Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, because I've hoped in your word.

75 I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that you in faithfulness have afflicted me.

76 Please let your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.

77 Let your tender mercies come to me, so I'll live, for your law is my delight.

78 Let the proud be ashamed, for they dealt perversely with me without a reason, but I will meditate in your precepts.

79 Let those that fear you turn to me, and those that have known your testimonies.

80 Let my heart be sound in your statutes, so I'm not ashamed.

81 My soul faints for your salvation, but I hope in your word.

82 My eyes fail for your word, saying, when will you comfort me?

83 For I've become like a bottle in the smoke, yet I don't forget your statutes.

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

85 The proud have dug pits for me, which are not according to your law.

86 All your commandments are faithful, they persecute me wrongfully, help me.

87 They almost consumed me on earth, but I didn't forsake your precepts.

88 Make me alive according to your loving kindness, so I'll keep the testimony of your mouth.

89 Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven.

90 Your faithfulness is to all generations, you've established the earth, and it remains.

91 They continue this day according to your ordinances, for all are your servants.

92 Unless your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.

93 I'll never forget your precepts, for with them you've made me alive.

94 I am yours, save me, for I've sought your precepts.

95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me, but I will consider your testimonies.

96 I've seen an end of all perfection, but your commandment is very broad.

97 O how I love your law!  It is my meditation all the day.

98 You, through your commandments have made me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your precepts.

101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, so that I would keep your word.

102 I haven't departed from your judgments, for you've taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste!  Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through your precepts I get understanding, therefore I hate every false way.

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

106 I've sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep your righteous judgments.

107 I am afflicted very much, make alive me, O Lord, according to your word.

108 Please accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me your judgments.

109 My soul is continually in my hand, yet I don't forget your law.

110 The wicked have laid a trap for me, yet I didn't err from your precepts.

111 I've taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

112 I have inclined my heart to perform your statutes always, even to the end.

113 I hate vain thoughts, 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, for I will keep the commandments of my God.

116 Uphold me according to your word, so I'll live, and don't let me be ashamed of my hope.

117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe, and I'll have respect to your statutes continually.

118 You've walked on all those who err from your statutes, for their deceit is falsehood.

119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.

120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I'm afraid of your judgments.

121 I've done judgment and justice, don't leave me to my oppressors.

122 Be surety for your servant for good, don't let the proud oppress me.

123 My eyes fail for your salvation, and for the word of your righteousness.

124 Deal with your servant according to your mercy, and teach me your statutes.

125 I am your servant, give me understanding, so I will know your testimonies.

126 It is time for you, Lord, to work, for they've made void your law.

127 Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than fine gold.

128 Therefore I view all your precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way.

129 Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them.

130 The entrance of your word gives light, it gives understanding to the simple.

131 I opened my mouth, and panted, for I longed for your commandments.

132 Look at me, and be merciful to me, as you used to do to those that love your name.

133 Order my steps in your word, and don't let any sin have dominion over me.

134 Deliver me from the oppression of man, so I will keep your precepts.

135 Make your face shine on your servant, and teach me your statutes.

136 Rivers of waters run down my eyes, because they don't keep your law.

137 Righteous are you, O Lord, and upright are your judgments.

138 Your testimonies that you have commanded are righteous and very faithful.

139 My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten your words.

140 Your word is very pure, therefore your servant loves it.

141 I am small and despised, yet I don't forget your precepts.

142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is the truth.

143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me, yet your commandments are my delight.

144 The righteousness of your testimonies is everlasting, give me understanding, and I'll live.

145 I called with my whole heart, hear me, O Lord, I'll keep your statutes.

146 I called to you, save me, and I'll keep your testimonies.

147 I got up before the dawning of the morning, and called, I hoped in your word.

148 My eyes go before the night watches, so I can meditate on your word.

149 Hear my voice according to your loving kindness, O Lord, make me alive according to your judgment.

150 They draw near who follow after mischief, they are far from your law.

151 You are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are truth.

152 Concerning your testimonies, I have known of old that you have founded them forever.

153 Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.

154 Plead my cause, and deliver me, make me alive according to your word.

155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they don't seek your statutes.

156 Great are your tender mercies, O Lord, make me alive according to your judgments.

157 My persecutors and my enemies are many, yet I don't decline from your testimonies.

158 I saw the transgressors, and was grieved, because they didn't keep your word.

159 Consider how I love your precepts, make alive me, O Lord, according to your loving kindness.

160 Your word is true from the beginning, and every one of your righteous judgments endures forever.

161 Princes have persecuted me without a reason, but my heart stands in awe of your word.

162 I rejoice at your word, like someone who finds great treasure.

163 I hate and abhor lying, but I love your law.

164 I praise you seven times a day because of your righteous judgments.

165 Those who love your law have great peace, and nothing shall offend them.

166 Lord, I've hoped for your salvation, and done your commandments.

167 My soul has kept your testimonies, and I love them very much.

168 I have kept your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.

169 Let my cry come near before you, O Lord, give me understanding according to your word.

170 Let my prayer come before you, deliver me according to your word.

171 My lips shall speak praise, when you've taught me your statutes.

172 My tongue shall speak of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness.

173 Let your hand help me, for I've chosen your precepts.

174 I've longed for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight.

175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise you, and let your judgments help me.

176 I've gone astray like a lost sheep, seek your servant, for I don't forget your commandments.