In the second half of the psalm (verses 11-22), the psalmist becomes a teacher, instructing his listeners about the right way to live, that is, the commandments and laws of the Hebrew faith, succinctly expressed as the fear of the LORD (see Pro 1.7; 2.5; 9.10; etc.; see also Psa 19.9).

Sons is the traditional term used by a teacher speaking to his students (see Pro 1.8; 2.1; 3.1). Some translations have “children,” which, if taken literally, conveys the wrong idea. In some languages unnecessary ambiguities would be created by translating in the manner of Good News Translation or Revised Standard Version. In order to make clear that those addressed are learners, one must often say, for example, “my students” or “you who learn from me.”

The questions in verse 12 are rhetorical and are meant to stimulate the interest of the reader. Desires translates the verb that occurs in noun form in 1.2, where it is translated “delight” (Revised Standard Version) and “finds joy” (Good News Translation). Here New English Bible has “delights in life.” The verb translated covets is usually represented by “love”; here it means “desires, wishes, wants.” “Long life and happiness” (Good News Translation) combines many days … enjoy good into one phrase; it may be expressed in different ways: “a long and happy life”; see New Jerusalem Bible “years of good fortune.” Verse 12 may be restated as a negative statement in some languages; for example, “There is no one who does not want to enjoy life….” These two questions may also be translated in some languages as positive statements: “Everyone wants to enjoy life.” In languages which require a reply to a rhetorical question, a reply must be given at the end of each question; for example, “Everyone!” Or, if the kinds of questions are used that Good News Translation has, the answer will be “Of course!”

Verses 12-16a are quoted in 1 Peter 3.10-12 essentially as they appear in the Septuagint translation of this passage.

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 .