In verse 43a the phrase the word of truth, which the psalmist begs Yahweh not to remove from his mouth, probably means the truth about Yahweh’s faithfulness in keeping his promise to save those who trust in him. Should Yahweh not save him, the psalmist’s message about Yahweh’s love would not be true. Word of truth or Good News Translation‘s “the truth” must often be rendered as “the true words” or “words that speak straight.” The adverb utterly seems a bit awkward; it means “completely, entirely,” and as represented in Revised Standard Version it seems to give the wrong impression that a partial “removal” of the word of truth from the psalmist’s mouth would be all right. So New English Bible and Biblia Dios Habla Hoy omit the word, and Bible de Jérusalem, New Jerusalem Bible, following the Septuagint and Syriac, transfer the word to verse 47. It is better to represent the word by a negative expression such as “Never keep me from being able to speak the truth (about you)” or, as Good News Translation does it in a positive expression, “at all times.” Verse 43b repeats the statement of verse 42b; both “trust” and hope represent a confidence, an assurance, that Yahweh’s laws are true. My hope is in thy ordinances must sometimes be rendered as “I have confidence in the way you judge matters.”
As a result of his promise always to obey Yahweh’s law (verse 44), the psalmist knows that he will be at liberty (literally “a broad place”; see comments, 18.19; 118.5), free from his enemies’ attacks and other difficulties (verse 45a). Walk at liberty, or Good News Translation‘s “in perfect freedom,” must sometimes be expressed negatively and idiomatically; for example, “I will not be tied up by my enemies.” In verse 45b the psalmist’s statement that he has sought God’s precepts means that he has tried to keep them, to obey them (see similar language in verses 15-16).
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 .