In verse 30a the psalmist affirms he has chosen the way of faithfulness (as opposed to the “false ways” of verse 29a). This is translated by Dahood, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, New English Bible, New American Bible, and Bible de Jérusalem “the way of truth.” New Jerusalem Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Bible en français courant, Revised Standard Version, and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, however, take it to mean faithfulness (to Yahweh), which Good News Translation renders “to be obedient.” This seems preferable; Good News Translation would be better if it were “to be obedient to you.” In line b the Hebrew is simply “I have placed your judgments,” which most take to mean, as New Jerusalem Bible has it, “I set Your rules before me” (see Revised Standard Version). The meaning is that he pays attention to, is always conscious of, God’s laws.

The verb cleave in verse 31a is the same as the one in verse 25a; to “cling” to God’s laws means to value them, to try to remember and obey them.

In verse 31b let me not be put to shame refers to the shame suffered by those who are abandoned by Yahweh and so suffer public disgrace or defeat (see verse 6a; 25.2).

In verse 32a I will run in the way of thy commandments means that the psalmist is eager to direct his life in accordance with God’s laws; so Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “I hurry to obey your commands.” Bible en français courant “I run on the way that you order me to” (also Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). The verb in verse 32b is “to make large,” and the direct object is “heart.” Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Good News Translation, and Oesterley take the phrase to mean ability to understand: “you will give more understanding.” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch has “because you help me to understand it (that is, the way) correctly.” Others, however, interpret differently: freedom (New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version); gladness (New English Bible, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy); docility (New American Bible); encouragement (Briggs). It seems better to interpret the Hebrew as Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, and New Jerusalem Bible have done.

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 .