In these two verses the psalmist makes two promises. The first one is I will praise thee with an upright heart; the phrase an upright heart means “a pure heart” (Good News Translation), “a sincere heart” (New Jerusalem Bible, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy; see New English Bible). Bible en français courant uses an expressive idiom, “without second thoughts,” that is, totally, completely, without hesitation or reservations.

When I learn in verse 7b is better translated “As I learn” (Good News Translation, New International Version, New English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible). Yahweh’s righteous ordinances are his “just rules” (New Jerusalem Bible), “just decrees” (New English Bible), or “fair decisions.” In many languages learn often suggests a process of rote memorization, a product of formal schooling. In order to avoid this kind of misunderstanding, it may be better to say something like “as you teach me your righteous judgments.” Righteous ordinances may have to be shifted to a verb form; for example, “the way in which you judge matters fairly.” The two lines may then be translated “As you teach me the way in which you judge matters fairly, I will praise you….”

Verse 8a contains the psalmist’s second promise: I will observe thy statutes, that is, “I will obey your laws” (for observe see 78.56).

The first strophe ends with a fervent prayer: O forsake me not utterly! In English it is more natural to say “do not abandon me wholly” (New Jerusalem Bible); better still, “never abandon me!” (Good News Translation).

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .