Covenant of the Heart

¹ Those whose way is blameless who walk in the LORD’s Instruction—are truly happy! ² Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy! They seek God with all their hearts. ³ They don’t even do anything wrong! They walk in God’s ways. ⁴ God, you have ordered that your decrees should be kept most carefully. ⁵ How I wish my ways were strong when it comes to keeping your statutes! ⁶ Then I wouldn’t be ashamed when I examine all your commandments. ⁷ I will give thanks to you with a heart that does right as I learn your righteous rules. ⁸ I will keep your statutes. Please don’t leave me all alone!

¹⁵ Look here! Today I’ve set before you life and what’s good versus death and what’s wrong. ¹⁶ If you obey the LORD your God’s commandments that I’m commanding you right now by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments, his regulations, and his case laws, then you will live and thrive, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. ¹⁷ But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and so are misled, worshipping other gods and serving them, ¹⁸ I’m telling you right now that you will definitely die. You will not prolong your life on the fertile land that you are crossing the Jordan River to enter and possess. ¹⁹ I call heaven and earth as my witnesses against you right now: I have set life and death, blessing and curse before you. Now choose life—so that you and your descendants will live ²⁰ by loving the LORD your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him. That’s how you will survive and live long on the fertile land the LORD swore to give to your ancestors: to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.