In these two verses the psalmist once more states that he has avoided every evil way and that he does not turn aside from Yahweh’s laws. I hold back my feet from in verse 101a means “I do not walk in,” “I do not follow.” For way see verses 1a, 3b; for keep thy word see verse 67b.

To turn aside from Yahweh’s commands (verse 102a) means to disregard them, to quit obeying them (see “forsaken” in verse 87b). I do not turn aside from thy ordinances or Good News Translation‘s “I have not neglected…” may be better expressed positively in some languages; for example, “I have obeyed your teachings” or “I have kept your laws.” For thou hast taught me see the plea “Teach me” in verses 33a, 64b. The statement that Yahweh has taught him means that in his study of the Torah he has learned Yahweh’s will.

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 .