Psalm 1:1-60:1

BOOK I Psalm 1 1Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

2but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

3That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

4Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

5He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

7I will proclaim the LORD ’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.

8Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

9You will break them with a rod of iron Or will rule them with an iron scepter (see Septuagint and Syriac) ; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” 12Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 3In Hebrew texts 3:1-8 is numbered 3:2-9. 1A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!

2Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 4 and 8.

3But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

5I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

7Arise, LORD ! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

5Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD .

6Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us.

7Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. 8In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 5In Hebrew texts 5:1-12 is numbered 5:2-13. 1For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David. Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament.

2Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.

3In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

4For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome.

5The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong;

7But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple.

9Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.

10Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

11But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

2Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.

5Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave?

7My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.

9The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. 10All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Psalm 7In Hebrew texts 7:1-17 is numbered 7:2-18. 1A shiggaion Title: Probably a literary or musical term of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite. LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me,

3LORD my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands—

4if I have repaid my ally with evil or without cause have robbed my foe—

5then let my enemy pursue and overtake me; let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

6Arise, LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.

8Let the LORD judge the peoples. Vindicate me, LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.

10My shield Or sovereign is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.

12If he does not relent, he Or If anyone does not repent, / God will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow.

13He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows.

14Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.

15Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made.

16The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.

2Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

4what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Or what is a human being that you are mindful of him, / a son of man that you care for him?

6You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their Or made him ruler…; / …his feet:

8the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

3My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.

4For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.

5You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.

9The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

11Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.

13LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death,

19Arise, LORD, do not let mortals triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence.

Psalm 10Psalms 9 and 10 may originally have been a single acrostic poem in which alternating lines began with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Septuagint they constitute one psalm. 1Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.

3He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD .

4In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

7His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.

8He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent. His eyes watch in secret for his victims;

15Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out.

16The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.

17You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

2For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.

3When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

4The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.

5The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.

2Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.

6And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text earth refined seven times.

7You, LORD, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, 8who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.

2How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3Look on me and answer, LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,

4and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

Psalm 14 1For the director of music. Of David. The fool The Hebrew words rendered fool in Psalms denote one who is morally deficient. says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

2The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

3All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

4Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the LORD . 7Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Psalm 15 1A psalm of David. LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

3whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;

4who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD ; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;

Psalm 16 1A miktam Title: Probably a literary or musical term of David. Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.

2I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

3I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

4Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.

5LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

6The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

8I keep my eyes always on the LORD . With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 11You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 17 1A prayer of David. Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips.

2Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.

3Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.

6I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

7Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

8Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

9from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

14By your hand save me from such people, LORD, from those of this world whose reward is in this life. May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies; may their children gorge themselves on it, and may there be leftovers for their little ones. 15As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

5The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.

8Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.

9He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet.

10He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind.

12Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning.

15The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, LORD, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

16He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.

17He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.

19He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

20The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

22All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees.

23I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin.

27You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

28You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

29With your help I can advance against a troop Or can run through a barricade ; with my God I can scale a wall.

30As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD ’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

33He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.

34He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

37I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.

40You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.

41They cried for help, but there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but he did not answer.

44foreigners cower before me; as soon as they hear of me, they obey me.

46The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!

47He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me,

48who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me.

Psalm 19In Hebrew texts 19:1-14 is numbered 19:2-15. 1For the director of music. A psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

5It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

8The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

9The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.

11By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 14May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 20In Hebrew texts 20:1-9 is numbered 20:2-10. 1For the director of music. A psalm of David. May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

4May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

6Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.

8They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

6Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7For the king trusts in the LORD ; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

8Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes.

9When you appear for battle, you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace. The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath, and his fire will consume them.

10You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind. 13Be exalted in your strength, LORD ; we will sing and praise your might.

Psalm 22In Hebrew texts 22:1-31 is numbered 22:2-32. 1For the director of music. To the tune of “The Doe of the Morning.” A psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?

2My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. Or night, and am not silent

5To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

6But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.

7All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.

8“He trusts in the LORD,” they say, “let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”

10From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.

13Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me.

14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me.

16Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce Dead Sea Scrolls and some manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Septuagint and Syriac; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text me, / like a lion my hands and my feet.

17All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me.

18They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.

20Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.

23You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

30Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.

Psalm 23 1A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

3he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

4Even though I walk through the darkest valley, Or the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

3Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place?

5They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior.

6Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts face, Jacob The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 10.

7Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

9Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

2I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

4Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.

5Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

6Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.

7Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.

9He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

10All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

12Who, then, are those who fear the LORD ? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. Or ways he chooses

14The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

15My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

17Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.

20Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

21May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, Septuagint; Hebrew does not have Lord. is in you. 22Deliver Israel, O God, from all their troubles!

Psalm 26 1Of David. Vindicate me, LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD and have not faltered.

2Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;

3for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

5I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.

7proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

9Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty,

10in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

11I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. 12My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the LORD .

Psalm 27 1Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

2When the wicked advance against me to devour Or slander me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.

3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

5For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

6Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD .

7Hear my voice when I call, LORD ; be merciful to me and answer me.

8My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.

10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

13I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Psalm 28 1Of David. To you, LORD, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit.

8The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

Psalm 29 1A psalm of David. Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

6He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion That is, Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.

7The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.

8The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. 11The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

2LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.

4Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.

7LORD, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain That is, Mount Zion stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

8To you, LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:

10Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help.”

11You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

Psalm 31In Hebrew texts 31:1-24 is numbered 31:2-25. 1For the director of music. A psalm of David. In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

2Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

3Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

4Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.

5Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.

9Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.

10My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, Or guilt and my bones grow weak.

11Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends— those who see me on the street flee from me.

12I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.

14But I trust in you, LORD ; I say, “You are my God.”

16Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

17Let me not be put to shame, LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead.

18Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

20In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.

21Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege.

22In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.

23Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.

Psalm 32 1Of David. A maskil. Title: Probably a literary or musical term Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

2Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 5 and 7.

5Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD .” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

10Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD ’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Psalm 33 1Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

3Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

4For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

5The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

7He gathers the waters of the sea into jars Or sea as into a heap ; he puts the deep into storehouses.

10The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

11But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

15he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

17A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

20We wait in hope for the LORD ; he is our help and our shield.

2I will glory in the LORD ; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

3Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

4I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

6This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

9Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

10The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

12Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,

13keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.

14Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

17The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

19The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

21Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Psalm 35 1Of David. Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.

2Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid.

3Brandish spear and javelin Or and block the way against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation.”

4May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.

5May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away;

6may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

7Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me,

8may ruin overtake them by surprise— may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.

10My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, LORD ? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.”

11Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about.

12They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved.

15But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing.

18I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.

19Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.

21They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.”

23Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.

24Vindicate me in your righteousness, LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me.

26May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. 28My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.

Psalm 36In Hebrew texts 36:1-12 is numbered 36:2-13. 1For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD . I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: Or A message from God: The transgression of the wicked / resides in their hearts. There is no fear of God before their eyes.

2In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.

4Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.

7How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.

9For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

11May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12See how the evildoers lie fallen— thrown down, not able to rise!

Psalm 37This psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. 1Of David. Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

2for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

5Commit your way to the LORD ; trust in him and he will do this:

6He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

8Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

9For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

12The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;

13but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

14The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

15But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

16Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;

17for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18The blameless spend their days under the LORD ’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever.

19In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20But the wicked will perish: Though the LORD ’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

21The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

22those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed.

25I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

27Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

30The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.

33but the LORD will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

35I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,

36but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. Or upright; / those who seek peace will have posterity 40The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

4My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.

6I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.

8I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.

11My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.

12Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie.

13I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak;

14I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply.

16For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”

18I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.

21LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. 22Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.

2So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;

3my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

4“Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

5You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 11.

6“Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.

7“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

8Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.

10Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

11When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth— surely everyone is but a breath.

12“Hear my prayer, LORD, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were. 13Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”

Psalm 40In Hebrew texts 40:1-17 is numbered 40:2-18. 1For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. I waited patiently for the LORD ; he turned to me and heard my cry.

2He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

4Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Or to lies

5Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

7Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll. Or come / with the scroll written for me

10I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.

12For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.

15May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame.

16But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!”

3The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.

4I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD ; heal me, for I have sinned against you.”

5My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish?”

6When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around.

7All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying,

11I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.

12Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.

2My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

3My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

4These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One See Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain. with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.

5Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

7Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

8By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.

10My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 11Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43In many Hebrew manuscripts Psalms 42 and 43 constitute one psalm. 1Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked.

3Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 5Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

3It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.

5Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes.

6I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;

8In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

11You gave us up to be devoured like sheep and have scattered us among the nations.

12You sold your people for a pittance, gaining nothing from their sale.

13You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us.

14You have made us a byword among the nations; the peoples shake their heads at us.

17All this came upon us, though we had not forgotten you; we had not been false to your covenant.

19But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals; you covered us over with deep darkness.

22Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

23Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.

Psalm 45In Hebrew texts 45:1-17 is numbered 45:2-18. 1For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. Title: Probably a literary or musical term A wedding song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

4In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.

7You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

8All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.

9Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

11Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.

12The city of Tyre will come with a gift, Or A Tyrian robe is among the gifts people of wealth will seek your favor.

13All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold.

15Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king.

16Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. 17I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

Psalm 46In Hebrew texts 46:1-11 is numbered 46:2-12. 1For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. Title: Probably a musical term A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

3though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 7 and 11.

5God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

6Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

9He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields Or chariots with fire.

10He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 47In Hebrew texts 47:1-9 is numbered 47:2-10. 1For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

3He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet.

Psalm 48In Hebrew texts 48:1-14 is numbered 48:2-15. 1A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

2Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon Zaphon was the most sacred mountain of the Canaanites. is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King.

3God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress.

4When the kings joined forces, when they advanced together,

8As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the LORD Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure forever. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

9Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.

10Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11Mount Zion rejoices, the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments.

12Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers,

13consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. 14For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

Psalm 49In Hebrew texts 49:1-20 is numbered 49:2-21. 1For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world,

3My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.

5Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me—

7No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—

10For all can see that the wise die, that the foolish and the senseless also perish, leaving their wealth to others.

11Their tombs will remain their houses Septuagint and Syriac; Hebrew In their thoughts their houses will remain forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had Or generations, / for they have named lands after themselves.

12People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.

13This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 15.

14They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.

16Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases;

17for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.

18Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper—

2From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

5“Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”

6And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice. With a different word division of the Hebrew; Masoretic Text for God himself is judge The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

7“Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel: I am God, your God.

8I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.

12If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

13Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

14“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,

15and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

16But to the wicked person, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?

19You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.

20You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son.

21When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly Or thought the ‘I am’ was like you. But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you.

22“Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: 23Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; the meaning of the Masoretic Text for this phrase is uncertain. I will show my salvation.”

2Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

7Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

10Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

13Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.

18May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

3You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 5.

4You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue!

5Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living.

6The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at you, saying,

7“Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!” 9For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.

Psalm 53In Hebrew texts 53:1-6 is numbered 53:2-7. 1For the director of music. According to mahalath. Title: Probably a musical term A maskil Title: Probably a literary or musical term of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.

4Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on God. 6Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

3Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me— people without regard for God. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

4Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

6I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, LORD, for it is good. 7You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

Psalm 55In Hebrew texts 55:1-23 is numbered 55:2-24. 1For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil Title: Probably a literary or musical term of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;

4My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me.

11Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.

13But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend,

14with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.

15Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the realm of the dead, for evil finds lodging among them.

18He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

19God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.

21His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

22Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalm 56In Hebrew texts 56:1-13 is numbered 56:2-14. 1For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. Title: Probably a literary or musical term When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.

3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

4In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

5All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.

7Because of their wickedness do not Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text does not have do not. let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

8Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll Or misery; / put my tears in your wineskin — are they not in your record?

9Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

10In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise—

11in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 57In Hebrew texts 57:1-11 is numbered 57:2-12. 1For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. Title: Probably a literary or musical term When he had fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

2I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me.

3He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6. God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

7My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

8Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

9I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 11Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

2No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.

5that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.

6Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; LORD, tear out the fangs of those lions!

8May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child that never sees the sun. 11Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.”

Psalm 59In Hebrew texts 59:1-17 is numbered 59:2-18. 1For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. Title: Probably a literary or musical term When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.

4I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight!

5You, LORD God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 13.

6They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.

8But you laugh at them, LORD ; you scoff at all those nations.

9You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress,

10my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.

12For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter,

14They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.

Psalm 60In Hebrew texts 60:1-12 is numbered 60:3-14. 1For the director of music. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A miktam Title: Probably a literary or musical term of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim Title: That is, Arameans of Northwest Mesopotamia and Aram Zobah, Title: That is, Arameans of central Syria and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us!