Take away the shame I fear, because your laws are good.
Speak the truth so that you cannot be criticized. Then those who are against you will be ashamed because there is nothing bad to say about us.
An elder must also have the respect of people who are not in the church so he will not be criticized by others and caught in the devil’s trap.
Don’t let me be insulted and hated because I keep your rules.
because his judgments are true and right. He has punished the prostitute who made the earth evil with her sexual sin. He has paid her back for the death of his servants.”
God judges those who do wrong things, and we know that his judging is right.
He sends help from heaven and saves me. He punishes those who chase me.Selah God sends me his love and truth.
Save me from all my sins. Don’t let wicked fools make fun of me.
So I want the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their homes. Then no enemy will have any reason to criticize them.
But, Lord, we are waiting for your way of justice. Our souls want to remember you and your name.
I am nearly out of breath. I really want to learn your commands.
My eyes are tired from looking for your salvation and for your good promise.
Lord, I know that your laws are right and that it was right for you to punish me.
Never keep me from speaking your truth, because I depend on your fair laws.
I hold on to your rules. Lord, do not let me be disgraced.
I wear myself out with desire for your laws all the time.
Respect for the Lord is good; it will last forever. The judgments of the Lord are true; they are completely right.
But what you did caused the Lord’s enemies to lose all respect for him. For this reason the son who was born to you will die.”
And no other nation has such good teachings and commands as those I am giving to you today.
Whoever hears it might shame you, and you might not ever be respected again.
