1 Any person who doesn’t take advice from wicked people,

and doesn’t stand by the path that sinners use,

and doesn’t sit and join all the scoffers,

will reap the benefits.

2 On the contrary, they enjoy Yahweh’s instructions

and think about them day and night.

3 Those people are like trees that are planted by a stream[ref]

and which produce fruit in season.

Their leaves don’t wither,

and they prosper in everything they do.

4 But wicked people won’t prosper—

they’re like straw that gets blown away by the wind.

5 The wicked people won’t be able to stand when God judges them,

and sinners won’t be able to join in the assembly of all the godly people.

6 Because Yahweh knows the path chosen by godly people,

but the path of wicked people will be destroyed.

2 Why do nations make plans,[ref]

≈and people groups devise empty schemes?

2 The kings of this world take their stand

≈and the rulers collaborate against Yahweh and his chosen one,

3 saying, “Let’s break their chains off us.

≈Let’s throw off their ropes.”

4 The one who sits in the heavens laughs.

≈The master ridicules them.

5 Then he’ll speak to them in his anger,

≈and terrify them in his fury.

6 Yahweh says, “I myself have placed my king on Tsiyyon (Zion)—

the hill I’ve chosen to be my holy place.”

7 I’ll explain Yahweh’s decree.[ref]

He told me, “You’re my son. Today I’ve become your father.

8 Ask me and I’ll give the nations to you for your inheritance.

≈The whole world will be owned by you.

9 You’ll break those nations with an iron bar.[ref]

≈You’ll smash them to pieces like a clay pot.”

10 So act wisely all you kings.

≈Be warned all you rulers of the earth.

11 Serve Yahweh with fear.

Be happy for his goodness but tremble because of his power.

12 Honour the son or he might get angry

and you’ll perish on the way.

His severe anger can ignite any moment.

Everyone who goes to him to be safe will reap the benefits.

3 A song by David when he fled from his son Avshalom (Absalom).

3 Yahweh, how did I get so many enemies?

≈Many people are rising up against me.

2 Many people are talking about me,

saying that God won’t help me. (Instrumental break.)[fn]

3 But you, Yahweh, protect me like a shield.

You honour and encourage me.

4 I called out with my voice to Yahweh,

and he answered me from his sacred mountain. (Instrumental break.)

5 I laid down and slept.

I awoke, because Yahweh sustains me.

6 I won’t be afraid even of tens of thousands of people—

those all around who’ve taken a stand against me.

7 Take action, Yahweh.

≈Save me, my God.

Yes, you’ve slapped all my enemies on the cheek—

you’ve broken the teeth of the wicked people.

8 Salvation comes from Yahweh.

Your blessing goes to your people. (Instrumental break.)

4 For the musical director: a song by David to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

4 God of my righteousness, answer me when I call out.

Show me how to escape from distress.

Be gracious to me and listen to my prayer.

2 How long will you mortal people keep shaming me instead of honouring me?

Why do you all love meaninglessness and enjoy dishonesty? (Instrumental break.)

3 But be aware that Yahweh has treats people who are faithful to him as special to him.

Yahweh pays attention when I call out to him for help.

4 Respect Yahweh and don’t sin.[ref]

Meditate silently on your bed. (Instrumental break.)

5 Sacrifice to him by obeying him,

and keep trusting him.

6 Many people ask, “Who can show us anything that’s good?”

Yahweh, shower your favour down on us.

7 You’ve made me very happy,

even more so than when there’s plenty of fine and wine.

8 I can lie down and sleep in peace,

because you, Yahweh, and only you, let me life in safety.

5 For the musical director: a song by David to be accompanied by flutes.

5 Listen to what I say, Yahweh.

≈Give consideration to my groans of distress.

2 Listen to my cry for help,

my king and my God, because it’s you that I pray to.

3 Yahweh, you hear my voice each morning.

≈In the morning I look in your direction and wait.

4 You’re not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness.

≈Evil people can’t live with you.

5 Arrogant people can’t stand in your presence.

≈You hate everyone who does wicked things.

6 You destroy those who tell lies.

≈Yahweh despises murderers and fraudsters.

7 Because of your loyal commitment, I’m able to enter your house.

≈I will bow down in awe towards your sacred temple.

8 Yahweh, help me to do what is right because my enemies are watching.

≈Show me clearly how to stay on your path.

9 Their lips are always flapping.

≈Their minds are their destruction.

Their throats are open graves[ref]

≈Their tongues are full of flattery.

10 My God, make them feel guilty.

May their own plans lead to their downfall.

Drive them out because of their frequent disobedience

because they’ve rebelled against you.

11 May those who find safety in you be glad.

≈Let them shout in happiness forever.

Spread your blanket of protection over them.

May those who love your authority praise you.

12 Because you, Yahweh, bless those who do what’s right.

You protect them with your favour like a shield.

6 A song by David for the singing director to be accompanied by the eight-stringed instrument.

6 Yahweh, don’t rebuke me in your anger,[ref]

≈or discipline me in your rage.

2 Be gracious to me, Yahweh, because I’m frail.

≈Heal me, Yahweh, because my bones are aching.

3 I’m emotionally distressed.

How much longer, Yahweh?

4 Turn around, Yahweh, and save my life

to demonstrate your loyal commitment.

5 Once we’re dead we can’t honour you.

Who will give thanks to you from Sheol?

6 I’m worn out from groaning.

Every night I make my bed swim with my tears.

I melt away on my couch.

7 I can barely open my eyes because of my grief.

My enemies make me weak with grief.

8 Keep away from me, all you who do evil things,[ref]

because Yahweh has heard the sound of my weeping.

9 Yahweh has heard my requests—

≈Yahweh will answer my prayer.

10 Let my enemies be shamed and severely dismayed.

Let them retreat and feel ashamed for a while.

7 A song by David which he sang to Yahweh concerning the Benyamite, Kush.

7 I’ve taken refuge in you, Yahweh, my God.

Save me from those who’re trying to get me,

2 or else they’ll rip me apart like a lion—

tearing me apart without anyone to rescue me.

3 Yahweh my God, if I’m the cause of this,

≈if it’s my hands that have done wrong,

4 if I repaid my friend with evil instead of good,

≈or stole from my enemy for no good reason,

5 allow my enemy to chase me and overtake me,

and trample my life into the ground,

and allow my honour to disappear into the dust. (Instrumental break.)

6 Take action, Yahweh.

Take out your anger on my enemies

Wake up for my sake—it’s you who demands justice.

7 The countries have gathered around you—

return to ruling them from on high.

8 Yahweh, judge those people groups.

See my obedience and integrity,

and declare me innocent.

9 Bring the evil activities of wicked people to an end,

and establish those who do good instead.

The righteous God examines inner thoughts and motives.[ref]

10 I trust God as my shield—

the one who rescues people who desire to do good.

11 God is a judge who never does wrong.

He’s always against evil.

12 If anyone doesn’t repent, he’ll sharpen his bow,

then bend it back ready to use,

13 because he’s prepared weapons of death—

he makes fiery arrows.

14 Look at that person who’s pregnant with wickedness

≈and conceives trouble

≈and gives birth to lies.

15 He digs a pit then makes it deeper,

but he’ll fall into the very hole that he made.

16 His trouble returns on his own head,

≈and his violence crushes his own skull.

17 I thank Yahweh for how he always does what’s right,

and sing praises to Yahweh the highest one.

8 For the musical director: a song by David to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.[fn]

8 Our master Yahweh, your reputation all over the earth is magnificent.

Your splendour is displayed across the sky

2 for even infants and children to notice.[ref]

You have established strength because of your enemies—to put an end to the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look up at the sky, I see your handiwork—

the moon and the stars that you placed there.

4 How come that you even notice humankind?[fn]

Why would you even pay attention to any descendant of ours?[ref]

5 You have made him a little lower than a title="מֵ,אֱלֹהִים (mē,ʼₑlohīm, R,Ncmpa)" href="../../ref/HebWrd/PSAc8v6w3.htm#Top" class="hebEl">God (or ‘gods’),

and poured splendour and majesty over him.[fn]

6 You’ve established him as ruler over your creation—

you’ve put him in charge of everything:[ref]

7 All the sheep and cows,

as well as the animals in the countryside,

8 the birds that fly and the fish in the sea—

everything the moves along the ocean currents.

9 Our master, Yahweh,

your magnificent reputation has spread around the whole world.

9 For the musical director: David’s song about the death of the son

9 I will thank Yahweh with all of my being.

≈I will tell others all about your miracles.

2 I will be happy and celebrate you,

I will sing praise to your name, the highest one.

3 When my enemies are forced to retreat,

they stumble and die as they run away from you

4 because you have accepted my claim and decided the case in my favour.

You have sat on your throne—a judge who always decides fairly.

5 You scolded countries and destroyed the wicked ones—

making their names disappear, never to return.

6 The enemy are finished—just ruins remaining from now on.

You also uprooted cities—they too will be forgotten.

7 However, Yahweh will reign forever.

He’s established his throne as a platform for justice,

8 so he’ll judge the world without bias,

and he will solve cases for the peoples with fairness.

9 Anyone who’s oppressed can go to Yahweh for safety—

he’s a safe refuge in times of trouble.

10 Those who know your reputation put their trust in you,

because you don’t abandon those who make the effort to find you, Yahweh.

11 Sing praises to Yahweh who lives in Tsiyyon (Zion).

Tell all the peoples about the good things he’s done,

12 because the God who avenges those who’ve been murdered,

doesn’t forget the cries of those who suffered.

13 Have mercy on me, Yahweh.

See my suffering because of those who hate me.

You’re the one who pulls me away from the gates of death

14 so that I can keep praising you at the gates of Tsiyyon’s daughter.

I’ll celebrate the salvation that comes from you.

15 The nations have sunk down into the pit they themselves made.

≈Their foot is caught in the hidden net that they themselves had put there.

16 Yahweh has revealed himself—he’s served justice—

the wicked people were trapped by their own actions. (Meditation break.) (Instrumental break.)

17 Wicked people will turn back to Sheol,

all nations are forgetful of God.

18 But the needy won’t always be forgotten,

and those who’re suffering won’t always find their hopes dashed.

19 Take action, Yahweh. Don’t let evil people prevail.

Let the nations face you for judgement.

20 Put some fear in them, Yahweh.

Remind the nations that they’re human. (Instrumental break.)

10 Why do you seem so distant, Yahweh?

Why can’t we see you helping us in times of trouble?

2 Wicked people just arrogantly bully the poor and needy.

May they be caught up by the very schemes that they planned for others.

3 Indeed, the wicked people boast about everything they want

≈and they say that the greedy person is a fine guy, but they despise Yahweh.

4 In their pride, wicked people don’t seek him.

≈In their minds, they convince themselves that there’s no God.

5 Their don’t want to change their ways.

Your judgements are high above out of their sight.

As for all their enemies, they sigh at them.

6 They tell themselves, “No one’s going to change me.

≈No one will trouble me, even through all the generations.”

7 Their mouths are full of curses and lies, and they oppress others.

Mischief and evil are under their tongues.[ref]

8 They sit in ambush near the villages.

In isolated places they murder the innocent.

Their eyes stealthily watch for any vulnerable people.

9 They ambush in a hidden places like a lion in cover.

They hide so they can seize helpless people.

They capture the weak by pulling in their nets.

10 They stoop then crouch,

and unfortunate people succumb to their strength.

11 They tell themselves, “God has gone on strike—

he looks away so he never notices.”

12 Yahweh, take action.

≈God, do something.

Don’t forget those who’re poor or needy.

13 Why do wicked people despise God?

They tell themselves, “You’ll never come looking for me.”

14 But you have seen—indeed, you notice mischief and grief to do something about it.

The victims trust you to work on their behalf.

You are a helper for the fatherless.

15 Break the hold of wicked and evil people.

Prevent them from being able to implement their wicked schemes.

16 Yahweh is king forever and ever.

He drove those other nations out of his land.

17 You’ve heard the request of those in need, Yahweh.

You encourage them. You pay close attention

18 to judge the orphan and oppressed,

so that mere humans will no longer be able to terrify them.

11 For the musical director: a song by David.

11 I’ve taken refuge in Yahweh.

How can you tell me,

Flutter away to your mountain like a bird?

2 Because, look, wicked people are getting their bows ready.

They’ve got their arrows lined up on the strings

to shoot at the godly people in the darkness.

3 If the foundations get destroyed,

what can good people do then?

4 Yahweh’s in his sacred temple.

His eyes watch—his eyes examine humanity’s children.

5 Yahweh examines both good people and the wicked,

but he hates those who love to inflict violence.

6 He rains burning coals and sulfur upon the wicked.

≈He’ll send scorching hot winds to punish them

7 because Yahweh loves what is right, and that’s what he does.

Godly people will get to stand in front of him.

12 For the musical director: a song by David to be played on the eight-stringed instrument.

12 Help, Yahweh, because faithful people seem to have disappeared.

≈Those who have integrity have vanished from among humanity.

2 Everyone says empty words to their neighbours.

≈Everyone speaks with flattering lips and deceitful motives.

3 Yahweh, cut off all those flattering lips,

≈and every tongue that exaggerates.

4 These are those who have said, “With our tongues we’ll get whatever we want.

≈When our lips speak, who can tell us what to do?”

5 Yahweh says, “I’ll take action

because of the violence against the poor and the groans of the needy.

I’ll provide the safety that they’ve been longing for.”

6 Yahweh’s words are pure words,

like silver purified in a furnace on the earth—

refined seven times over.

7 Yahweh, you will protect them.

Yes, forever protect us from this violent generation.

8 Wicked people prowl all around

when evil is promoted for humanity.

13 For the musical director: a song by David.

13 Yahweh, for how long will you keep forgetting about me?

For how long will you hide yourself from me?

2 How long must I worry?

≈Must I have grief in my heart all day?

≈How long will my enemy gloat over me?

3 Look at me and answer me, Yahweh my God.

Restore my strength, or I’ll die in my sleep.

4 Don’t let my enemy boast that they’ve defeated me,

otherwise my enemies will celebrate when I’m defeated.

5 But I’ve trusted in your loyal commitment.

I’m happy inside because you’ve saved me.

6 I’ll sing to Yahweh because he’s been generous to me.

14 For the musical director: a song by David.

14 Godless people convince themselves that there is no God.

They behave corruptly and do evil things.

No one really does what is good.[ref]

2 Yahweh looks down at humanity from the heavens

to see if there are any who understand—who make an effort to discover him.

3 They’ve all turned away.

Together they’ve become corrupt.

There isn’t anyone who does good—no one.

4 Don’t those evil people know anything—

those who eat up my people just like they’d eat bread,

but they don’t request help from Yahweh?

5 They tremble with dread,

because God is with those who desire to obey him.

6 You want to humiliate poor people,

even though they go to Yahweh to find safety.

7 If only help would come from Tsiyyon (Zion to rescue Yisrael.

When Yahweh brings back his people from where they were taken as captives,

then Yacob (Jacob) will rejoice and Yisrael will be glad!

15 A song by David.

15 Who’s allowed to stay in your tent?

Who can live on your sacred hill?

2 Whoever’s innocent because they do what is right

and speaks truth with integrity.

3 Those who don’t use their tongues to slander others.

Those who don’t harm others,

and who don’t insult their neighbours.

4 Those godly people despised those rejected by Yahweh,

but they honour those who respect him.

They do what they’ve promised, even at their own expense.

5 They don’t charge interest when they lend money.

They don’t take bribes to testify against innocent people.

Those who do those things will never be rejected.

16 A song by David.

16 Protect me, God,

because you are the one I trust for my safety.

2 I tell Yahweh, “You are my master. Anything good I do means nothing without you.

3 As for the godly people who live here, they are noble people.

I really enjoy being with them.

4 Their troubles will increase—

those who choose to worship other gods.

I won’t pour out their drink offerings of blood

or even use my lips to name their gods.

5 Yahweh is all I want to as my inheritance and my cup.

You ensure my future security.

6 I’ve had a nice piece of land measured out for me—

it’s definitely a good inheritance that I received.

7 I will praise Yahweh who gives me good advice.

Even at night, my conscience teaches me what’s right.

8 I made a decision to always keep Yahweh on my mind.

Nothing will worry me, because he’s right here beside me

9 so I can relax and be happy,

Also I can live in safety

10 because you won’t abandon my soul to Sheol.[ref]

You wouldn’t permit your faithful follower to see the pit.

11 You show me the path that leads to life.

I’m always happy in your presence.

I’ll have pleasure forever when I’m with you.”[ref]

17 A prayer by David.

17 Listen to my plea for justice, Yahweh.

≈Pay attention to my call for help.

≈Take notice of my prayer coming from honest lips.

2 Consider my case and confirm that I’m innocent.

Let your eyes see what is just.

3 If you test my inner motives,

if you come to me in the night to test me,

and you won’t find any evil plans—

my mouth won’t say anything evil.

4 As for people’s actions,

it is at the word from your mouth

that I’ve kept myself from the ways of lawless people.

5 I’ve kept myself consistently on your paths.

≈My feet haven’t slipped.

6 I call to you, God, because you answer me.

Take notice of me and listen when I speak.

7 Show your loyal commitment in a wonderful way,

you who use your power to protect

those who take refuge in you from their enemies.

8 Protect me as carefully as the pupil is protected in the eye.

≈Hide me like a chick under the shadow of your wings.

9 Protect me from the wicked people who assault me—

from my enemies who surround me.

10 They’ve closed their minds to pity.

Their mouths speak with pride.

11 They have closed in on me.

They have decided to throw me to the ground.

12 They’re like a lion eager for a victim—

like a young lion crouching in ambush.

13 Take action, Yahweh.

Confront them.

≈Knock them down.

Rescue my life from wicked people by your sword!

14 Use your strength, Yahweh, to rescue me from men—

from people in this world whose prosperity is in this life alone.

You’ll fill the bellies of your treasured ones with riches—

they’ll have many children and will leave their wealth to them.

15 Because I’m obedient, I’ll see your face.

≈When I wake up, I’ll be satisfied at seeing you.

18 For the musical director: a song by Yahweh’s servant David, when he sang the words of this song to Yahweh on the day that Yahweh rescued him from Shaul (King Saul) and all his other enemies.

18 He said:

I love you, Yahweh, my source of strength.

2 Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, the one who brings me to safety.

≈He’s my God, my rock. I take refuge in him.

He’s my shield, the power that saves me, my fortress.

3 I will call for help from Yahweh

who deserves all the praise he gets,

and then I’ll be rescued from my enemies.

4 I felt like I was about to die,

≈and torrents of worthlessness overwhelmed me.

5 The grave seemed to be putting its ropes around me.

≈The snares of death trapped me.

6 In my distress I called out to Yahweh.

≈I cried for help to my God.

He heard my voice from his temple.

≈My call for help entered his presence.

≈It reached his ears.

7 Then the earth quaked and shook.

≈The foundations of the mountains trembled

≈and were shaken because God was angry.

8 Smoke went up from out of his nostrils,

≈and blazing fire came out of his mouth.

Coals were ignited by it.

9 He opened the skies and came down,

and heavy darkness was under his feet.

10 He rode on a winged creature and flew.

≈He glided on the wings of the wind.

11 He made darkness into a tent around him—

heavy rain clouds in the skies.

12 Hail and burning coals fell from the brightness in front of him.

13 Yahweh thundered from the heavens.

The voice of the highest one shouted.[fn]

14 He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies—

≈many lightning bolts, and forced them to disperse.

15 Then the water channels appeared.

≈The foundations of the world were exposed

at your rebuke, Yahweh—

≈at the blast of the breath from your nostrils.

16 He reached down from above and took hold of me.

≈He pulled me out of the surging waters.

17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy—

from those who hated me,

because they were too strong for me.

18 They confronted me when I was in distress,

but Yahweh was my support.

19 He brought me out to a wide open place.

≈He saved me because he was pleased with me.

20 Yahweh has rewarded me because I’ve done nothing wrong.

≈He has restored me because I’m innocent.

21 because I’ve followed Yahweh’s instructions

and haven’t acted wickedly towards my God.

22 I keep all his instructions in mind,

and I haven’t refused to follow any of his rules.

23 I’ve done nothing that he could blame me for

and I’ve kept myself from disobeying him.

24 So Yahweh has restored me because of my obedience,

because I was innocent in his sight.

25 To the faithful, you show yourself faithful.

≈To the blameless, you show yourself blameless.

26 ≈To the pure, you show yourself pure,

but you’re shrewd towards anyone who’s crooked,

27 because you save people who’re suffering,

but you bring down those with proud, uplifted eyes.

28 You give light to my lamp.

≈Yahweh my God lights up my darkness.

29 With your help, I can run forward into the invaders.

≈With my God’s assistance, I can leap over a wall.

30 As for God, his ways are perfect.

≈Yahweh’s message has been refined.

He is a shield to everyone who goes to him to stay safe,

31 because who is God except Yahweh?

≈Who is a reliable place of safety except our God?

32 It is God who puts strength onto me like a belt around me—

who makes my path clear of obstacles.

33 He makes me sure-footed like a deer,

and places me in the hills.[ref]

34 He trains my hands for battle,

≈and my arms to bend a bronze bow.

35 You protect and save me with your shield.

You use your power to support me,

and your favour has made me strong.

36 You’ve made the path for my feet wide beneath me

so that my feet haven’t slipped.

37 I chased my enemies and overtook them.

≈I didn’t turn back until they were destroyed.

38 I smashed them so that they were unable to regroup.

≈They have fallen under my feet.

39 You put strength on me for battle like a belt around me.

You made my enemies bow down to me.

40 You allowed me to kill my enemies.

≈I annihilated those who hated me.

41 They called for help, but no rescuer came.

≈They called out to Yahweh, but he didn’t answer them.

42 I hammered them into fine pieces like dust in the wind.

≈I emptied them out like mud in the streets.

43 You rescued me from people’s feuds.

You’ve made me the head over nations.

≈People serve me that I never knew before.

44 As soon as they heard about me, they obeyed me.

≈Foreigners cower down to me.

45 The foreigners lose heart,

≈and came trembling out of their strongholds.

46 Yahweh lives—may my place of security be praised.

≈Praise the God who saved me.

47 He’s the God who executes vengeance on my behalf—

who subdues the nations under me.

48 I’m set free from my enemies.

Indeed, you helped me stay ahead of those who opposed me.

You rescued me from violent men.

49 Therefore I’ll give thanks to you among the nations, Yahweh,

≈I’ll sing praises to your name.[ref]

50 God gives great victory to his king,

and he shows his loyal commitment to his anointed one—

to David and to his descendants forever.

19 For the musical director: a song by David.

19 The skies declare God’s talent and splendour,

≈and outer space shows off his handiwork.

2 Speech pours out day after day.

≈Night after night it reveals knowledge.

3 There’s no speech or words spoken.

≈No voice can be heard

4 yet their words go out over all the earth,

≈and their speech to the end of the world.

He’s placed the sun in its home in the sky.[ref]

5 The sun is like a bridegroom coming out of his room.

≈It’s like a strong man who’s glad when he can run along his path.

6 The sun rises from side of our view

≈and crosses the sky to the other.

Nothing escapes its heat.

7 Yahweh’s instructions are perfect, restoring our motivation.

Yahweh’s testimony is reliable, making simple people wise.

8 Yahweh’s instructions are right, bringing inner fulfillment.

≈Yahweh’s commands are pure, bringing light to the eyes.

9 Respect for Yahweh is pure, enduring forever.

≈Yahweh’s rules are correct and always right.

10 They’re more valuable than gold, even fine gold.

≈They’re sweeter than honey, even the honey that drips from the honeycomb.

11 Yes, your servant is warned by Yahweh’s rules.

≈A worthwhile reward comes from obeying them.

12 Who can discern all their own errors?

≈Cleanse me from hidden faults.

13 Also, keep your servant from willful sins—

≈don’t let them not rule over me.

Then I’ll be perfect,

≈and I will be innocent of terrible disobedience.

14 Let the words from my mouth

≈and even my inner thoughts

be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh—

the secure place that I can run to,

≈and the one who paid for my release from slavery.

20 For the musical director: a song by David.

20 May Yahweh help you whenever trouble comes.

≈Then may Yakob’s (Jacob’s) God protect you

2 and send help from his sanctuary,

≈to support you from Tsiyyon (Zion).

3 May he call to mind all your offerings

and accept your burnt sacrifice. (Instrumental break.)

4 May he give you your desires that you’ve thought about the most,

≈and make all the plans that you’ve hoped for come to pass.

5 Then we will celebrate your victory,

≈and we’ll raise banners in the name of our God.

May Yahweh grant all your requests.

6 Now I know that Yahweh will rescue his anointed one.

He will answer him from his sacred heaven

and use all his strength to save him.

7 Various leaders trust in various different military units,

but we will put our trust in our God Yahweh.

8 They will stumble and fall,

but we will be strong and stand firm.

9 Yahweh, rescue the king.

Answer us when we call for help.

21 For the musical director: a song by David.

21 The king’s glad about your strength, Yahweh.

≈He’s very happy about the salvation you provide.

2 You’ve given him what he really wanted,

≈and haven’t held back from answering his requests. (Instrumental break.)

3 You went to meet him with blessings of good things.

≈You placed a crown of purest gold on his head.

4 He asked you for life and you gave it to him.

You extended his life and gave him an eternal dynasty.

5 He receives great respect because of your victory.

≈You’ve given him splendour and majesty.

6 When you grant him lasting blessings,

you make him glad with the excitement of your presence.

7 The king trusts in Yahweh.

He won’t waver as he experiences the loyal commitment of the highest one.

8 Your energy will find all your enemies.

Your strength will reach as far as those who hate you.

9 When you get angry, you’ll burn them up like in a flaming furnace.

≈Yahweh will consume them in his fury, and the fire will devour them.

10 You’ll destroy their offspring from the earth

and their descendants from among humankind

11 because they intended to do evil against you.

They conceived a plot, but they won’t succeed

12 because you will turn them back.

≈You’ll draw your bow in front of them.

13 Yahweh, show us your strength and we’ll praise you.

We’ll sing, and praise your power.

22 For the musical director: a song by David to the tune ‘The doe of the dawn’.

22 My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Why are you so far from saving me

≈and far from my plea for help?[ref]

2 My God, I call out in the daytime for help, but you don’t answer me,

≈and at night I’m not silent either.

3 Yet you are sinless—

accepting Yisrael’s praises.

4 Our ancestors trusted in you.

They trusted in you, and you rescued them.

5 They called out to you for help and they were rescued.

They trusted in you and were not disappointed.

6 But I’m a worm and not a man—

≈a disgrace to humanity and despised by the people.

7 Everyone who sees me, taunts me.

≈They make faces at me.

≈They shake their heads at me.[ref]

8 Go to Yahweh—he’ll save him.

≈He’ll rescue him because he likes him.[ref]

9 You brought me out from the womb.

≈You made me trust you when I was at my mother’s breasts.

10 I was forced to be dependant on you since birth.

≈You are my God since I was in my mother’s womb.

11 Don’t distance yourself from me, because trouble is near.

≈There’s no one else who can help.

12 Many enemies surround me like angry bulls.

≈Strong bulls of Bashan have surrounded me.

13 They open their mouths wide against me

≈like a roaring lion tearing its victim apart.

14 I am being poured out like water and all my bones are out of joint.

≈My heart is like wax—it melts away within my chest.

15 My strength has dried up like a piece of fired clay.

≈My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.

You’re about to let me die and return to dust

16 because dogs have surrounded me.

≈A band of evil men has encircled me.

They’ve pierced my hands and my feet.[fn]

17 I can count all my bones.

They stand looking, and stare at me.

18 They divide my clothes up among themselves,

≈They cast lots for my garments.[ref]

19 Yahweh, don’t just stand at a distance.

≈Please hurry to help me, my strength.

20 Save my life from the sword—

≈my very existence from the clutch of wild dogs.

21 Save me from the lion’s mouth.

≈Rescue me from the horns of the wild bulls.

22 I’ll promote your name among my brothers.

≈I’ll praise you in front of all the assembled people.[ref]

23 ≈You all who fear Yahweh, praise him.

≈All you descendants of Yakob, honour him.

≈Stand in awe of him, all you descendants of Israel,

24 because he hasn’t despised or detested the suffering of the one who’s going through it.

≈Yahweh hasn’t hidden away from him.

≈When the suffering one called out to him, he heard.

25 You’re the reason that I offer praise when all the people gather.

≈I’ll fulfill my vows publicly in front of those who fear him.

26 The oppressed people will eat and be satisfied.

Those who’re interested in Yahweh will praise him.

May you all live forever.

27 Peoples from each end of the earth will remember and turn to Yahweh.

≈All the families of the nations will bow down before you,

28 because Yahweh is the king

≈and rules over the nations.

29 All the prosperous people in the world will celebrate and worship him.

≈All mortal people will bow before him—those who can’t extend their own lives.

30 Our future offspring will serve him.

They’ll tell the next generation about the master.

31 They will come and tell about his righteousness.

They’ll tell what he’s done to people not yet born.

23 A song by David.

23 Yahweh is my shepherd

so I won’t lack anything.

2 He lies me down in paddocks of fresh grass.

He leads me beside a peaceful stream.

3 He refreshes my inner being.

He guides me along paths of obedience so that he’ll be honoured.

4 Even when I walk through a valley of darkest shadow,

I won’t be afraid of being harmed.

Your rod and staff will protect and comfort me.

5 You prepare a meal for me while my enemies watch.

You give me olive oil to sooth my head.

I have so many blessings.

6 I’m certain that your goodness and your mercy will surround me for my whole life,

and then I’ll live in Yahweh’s house forever.

24 A song by David.

24 The earth and all its content belong to Yahweh—

≈the world, and everything that lives in it,

2 because he founded it on the seas,

≈and established it on the rivers.

3 Who will ascend Yahweh’s mountain?

≈Who will stand in his sacred place?

4 The one with clean hands and a pure heart,

who hasn’t falsely declared to be following me,

≈and hasn’t made a promise in order to deceive others.

5 He’ll receive a blessing from Yahweh

and he God of his salvation will declare him innocent.

6 Such is the generation of those who try to discover him—

those who want to imitate Yakob. (Instrumental break.)

7 Look up, you gates.

≈Open up, everlasting doors,

so that the incredible king can come in.

8 Who’s that incredible king?

Yahweh, strong and powerful.

≈Yahweh, victorious in battle.

9 Look up, you gates.

≈Open up, everlasting doors,

so that the incredible king can come in.

10 Who’s that incredible king?

Army commander Yahweh.

He’s that incredible king. (Instrumental break.)

25 A song by David.

25 I offer my life to you, Yahweh.

2 My God, I trust in you.

Don’t let me be humiliated.

≈Don’t let my enemies defeat me and then celebrate.

3 Don’t let anyone be disgraced because they’d put their trust in you.

On the other hand, may those who act treacherously without cause be ashamed.

4 Make your ways known to me, Yahweh.

≈Teach me your paths.

5 Guide me into your truth and teach me,

because you’re the God who saves me.

I wait all day long to experience your presence.

6 Call your acts of compassion and loyal commitment to mind, Yahweh,

because they’ve always existed.

7 Don’t think about my youthful disobedience or my rebelliousness.

Call me to mind with loyal commitment because of your goodness, Yahweh.

8 Yahweh is both honest and good,

therefore he teaches sinners the way.

9 He guides the humble in what is right

≈and he teaches them his way.

10 All Yahweh’s ways are loyal commitment and faithfulness

to those who keep his agreement and his solemn commands.

11 For the sake of your reputation, Yahweh,

forgive my disobedience because it’s pretty bad.

12 Who are those who respect Yahweh?

The master will instruct them in the path that they should choose.

13 They’ll enjoy a life of goodness,

≈and their descendants will live peacefully in the land.

14 Yahweh’s friendship is for those who respect him,

and he makes his promises known to them.

15 My eyes are always on Yahweh,

because he’ll untangle my feet from the net.

16 Turn towards me and have mercy on me,

because I’m alone and suffering.

17 My worries keep increasing—

rescue me from my distress.

18 Take note of my suffering and troubles.

Forgive all my sins.

19 Look at my enemies because there’s so many of them.

They hate me with cruel hatred.

20 Protect my life and rescue me.

Don’t let me be humiliated, because I always take refuge in you.

21 May integrity and godliness preserve me,

because I wait for you to help me.

22 Rescue Yisrael, God,

from all its troubles.

26 A song by David.

26 Declare me innocent, Yahweh, because I have walked with integrity.

≈I’ve trusted in Yahweh without wavering.

2 Examine me, Yahweh, and test me.

≈Check out my mind and my motives.

3 I keep my eyes on your loyal commitment,

≈and I walk about in your faithfulness.

4 I don’t associate with deceitful people,

≈or with those who’re dishonest.

5 I avoid the gatherings of evildoers,

≈and I don’t meet with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence,

and I go around your altar, Yahweh,

7 to sing a praise song

≈and to tell about all the wonderful things you’ve done.

8 Yahweh, I love the house where you live,

≈the place where your power and splendour is continually displayed.

9 Don’t remove me along with sinners,

≈or my life with people blood on their hands—

10 people who’re plotting wickedness,

and whose pockets are full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I’ll walk with integrity.

Release me from my slavery and have mercy on me.

12 My feet stand on level ground.

I will bless Yahweh at our gatherings.

27 A song by David.

27 Yahweh is my light and the one who saves me—why should I be afraid of anyone?

≈Yahweh is where my life is safe—why should I be worrying?

2 When evil people approached me to wear me down,

those adversaries and enemies stumbled and fell.

3 Even when I’m surrounded by an enemy army, I won’t be scared.

≈Although war breaks out against me, even then I’ll remain confident.

4 There’s one thing that I’ve Yahweh and that I’ll aim for:

that I’ll be able to stay in the house of Yahweh as long as I live.

to see Yahweh’s beauty and to meditate in his temple.

5 He’ll hide me in his shelter when trouble comes—

≈He’ll conceal me under the cover of his tent .

≈He’ll lift me high to a safe place up on a rock.

6 Then I’ll be helped to achieve victory over my enemies all around me,

and I will offer celebratory sacrifices in his tent.

≈I’ll make music and sing to Yahweh.

7 Yahweh, listen to me when I call out for help.

Have mercy on me, and answer me.

8 My gut feelings tell me that I should follow you,

so I’ll strive to relate to you, Yahweh.

9 Don’t stay away from me.

Don’t turn your servant away in anger.

You’ve been my helper.

Don’t leave or abandon me, God who saves me.

10 Even if my parents were to abandon me,

Yahweh would take me in.

11 Teach me your way, Yahweh.

Lead me on a level path

because of my enemies.

12 Don’t let my enemies do what they want to me,

because fraudulent cases have been brought against me,

and those people thrive on violence.

13 What would’ve happened to me

if I hadn’t believed that I would see Yahweh’s goodness in the land of the living?

14 Keep expecting Yahweh to act.

Be strong and courageous. Wait for Yahweh.

28 A song by David.

28 Yahweh, I call out to you for help, my rock of safety.

Don’t refuse to hear me

because if you’re silent, I’ll soon be with those who’re heading down to their graves.

2 Hear my pleading when I call for help from you—

when I raise my hands toward your most sacred room.

3 Don’t drag me away along with the wicked—those who do evil things,

who talk about peace with their neighbours but have evil plans in their minds.

4 Give them what their actions deserve

≈and repay them what their wickedness demands.

Repay them what they’ve done

≈and give them what they deserve.

5 Because they don’t understand what Yahweh does,

he’ll tear them down and never rebuild them.

6 Blessed be Yahweh

because he’s heard my requests.

7 Yahweh makes me strong and protects me like a shield.

I trust in him, and he helps me.

That’s why I’m so happy inside,

and I’ll praise him by singing.

8 Yahweh gives strength to his people,

and he is the place of safety for his anointed one.

9 Rescue your people

≈and bless your inheritance.

Be their shepherd and carry them always.

29 A praise song by David.

29 Acknowledge Yahweh you sons of the mighty one,

acknowledge that greatness and power are his alone.

2 Honour the authority of Yahweh,

worship him in his pure beauty.

3 The voice of Yahweh commands the oceans,

his power thunders over many waters.

4 Yahweh’s voice is so powerful,

his voice sounds so majestic.

5 Yahweh’s voice splits huge trees,

it shatters the cedar trees in Lebanon.

6 He makes them skip around like a calf,

Lebanon and Sirion acting like a wild, young bull.

7 Yahweh’s voice produces flames of fire.

8 Yahweh’s voice makes the land shake,

he shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 Yahweh’s voice makes the deer give birth in fright,

it strips the leaves from the trees,

while all the people in his temple praise him.

10 Yahweh sits on his throne conquering the flood,

he reigns forever from his seat as king.

11 Yahweh gives strength to his people,

he grants tranquil peace to his own.

30 A song by David for the temple dedication.

30 I’ll praise you, Yahweh, because you’ve helped me succeed

≈and haven’t allowed my enemies to take advantage of me.

2 Yahweh my God, I called out to you for help,

and you healed me.

3 Yahweh, you’ve saved me from death.

You’ve kept me alive from going down into the grave.

4 Sing praises to Yahweh, you who’re faithful to him.

≈Give thanks to the sinless one

5 because his anger is only for a moment, but his favour is for a lifetime.

≈Weeping comes for a night, but happiness comes in the morning.

6 When things were going well, I said,

“Nothing will ever shake me.”

7 Yahweh, by your favour you established me as a strong mountain,

but when you moved out of sight from me, I got worried.

8 I called out to you for help, Yahweh,

≈and tried to win my master’s favour.

9 What advantage would there be in my death,

≈if I go down to the grave?

Will the dust praise you?

≈Will it declare your faithfulness?

10 Listen to me, Yahweh, and have mercy on me

≈Yahweh, be my helper.

11 You’ve turned my mourning into dancing for me.

You’ve removed my mourning clothes and dressed me with gladness instead.

12 So now my glory will sing praise to you and not be silent; Yahweh my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

31 For the musical director: a song by David.

31 I go to you, Yahweh, to be safe.

Never let me be humiliated.

Rescue me, because you always do what’s right.

2 Listen to me—rescue me quickly.

Be my rock that I can be secure behind—

≈a fortress to keep me safe.

3 Yes, you’re my rock and my fortress,

and you lead and guide me in order to maintain your reputation.

4 Pluck me out of the net that they’ve hidden for me,

because you’re my place of safety.

5 I entrust my spirit into your capable hands.

You’ll redeem me, Yahweh, God of faithfulness.

6 I hate those who follow worthless trends,

but I trust in Yahweh.

7 I’ll be glad and celebrate your loyal commitment,

because you saw my suffering—

you knew my internal troubles.

8 You didn’t allow any enemy to get the upper hand over me.

You’ve set my feet in a wide open place.

9 Have mercy upon me, Yahweh, because I’m distressed.

My eyes grow weary with the grief I feel in my body and soul.

10 Yes my life is weary with sorrow

≈and my years with groaning.

My strength fails because of my disobedience,

≈and my bones are wasting away.

11 People disdain me because of all my enemies.

≈My neighbours are appalled at my situation,

and those who know me are horrified.

≈Those who see me in the street cross to the other side.

12 I am forgotten like a dead person that no one thinks about any more.

≈I’m discarded like a broken pot.

13 I’ve heard the whispering of many—

≈terrifying news from every side

as they plot together against me.

≈They plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, Yahweh.

≈I declare that you’re my God.

15 You control my future.

Rescue me from my enemies

≈and from those who’re trying to get me.

16 Act kindly towards me, your servant.

Rescue me due to your loyal commitment.

17 Don’t let me be humiliated, Yahweh, because I’ve called out to you for help.

Let the wicked be the ones who’re humiliated.

Send them down to Sheol where they’ll be silent.

18 Let the lying lips be silenced

that speak against the righteous defiantly

≈with arrogance and contempt.

19 You’ve stored up great goodness for those who revere you,

that you perform for those who take refuge in you

in plain sight of all humanity.

20 In the shelter of your presence, you hide them from people’s evil plots.

≈You hide them in a shelter from the violence of people’s words.

21 Praise Yahweh, because he showed me his incredible loyal commitment

when I was trapped in a besieged city.

22 In my alarm I thought, “I’ve gone out of your sight,”

yet you did hear my plea for help when I called out to you.

23 Love Yahweh, all you godly people.

Yahweh protects faithful people,

but he pays back the arrogant in full.

24 Be strong and confident,

all you who trust in Yahweh for help.

32 A song[fn] by David.

32 Blessed is the person whose transgression is forgiven,

≈whose disobedience is covered.

2 Blessed is the person to whom Yahweh calculates no guilt

≈and in whose spirit there’s no deceit.

3 When I remained silent,

my bones ached inside

≈while I groaned all day long.

4 You kept the pressure on me day and night.

My strength withered up like in a summer drought. (Instrumental break.)

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you,

≈and I no longer hid my iniquity.

I said, “I’ll confess my transgressions to Yahweh,”

and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Instrumental break.)

6 Every one of your faithful followers should pray to you at a time of great distress

so that when the surging waters overflow, the waters will not reach them.

7 You’re my hiding place—you’ll guard me from trouble.

You surround me with victory songs. (Instrumental break.)

8 I’ll instruct you and teach you in the way that you should follow.

I’ll instruct you and keep my eye on you.

9 Don’t be like a horse or a mule which lacks understanding—

it’s only with a bridle and bit that they can be controlled

so they’ll go where you want them to.

10 The wicked have many sorrows,

but Yahweh’s loyal commitment will surround anyone who trusts in him.

11 Be glad in Yahweh, and celebrate, you righteous people.

≈Shout for joy, all of you who’re honest on the inside.

33 Rejoice in Yahweh, you godly people.

≈Praise is appropriate for those who’re honest on the inside.

2 Give thanks to Yahweh with the harp.

≈Sing praises to him with the ten-stringed instrument.

3 Sing a new song to him.

≈Play skillfully and with loud shouts,

4 because Yahweh means what he says,

and everything he does is fair.

5 He loves what is right and just.

Yahweh’s loyal commitment can be seen all over the world.

6 At Yahweh’ command, the heavens were made,

≈and all the stars were made by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea together like a heap.

≈He puts the oceans into storehouses.

8 Let the whole planet respect Yahweh.

≈Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him

9 because he spoke, then it came to be.

He commanded, and it stood in place.

10 Yahweh frustrates the alliances of nations.

≈He overrules the plans of the peoples.

11 Yahweh’s plans stand forever—

≈the plans in his mind continue for all generations.

12 This nation will thrive because Yahweh is their God—

≈the people who he’s chosen as his own inheritance.

13 Yahweh looks from heaven—he sees all the people.

14 ≈From his residence, he looks down on all the earth’s inhabitants.

15 He who formed the insides of all of them, observes everything that they do.

16 No king is saved by a huge army.

≈A warrior isn’t saved by his great strength.

17 A horse is a false hope for victory—

in spite of his great strength, he can’t rescue anyone.

18 See, Yahweh’s eye is on those who respect him—

on those who put their hope on his loyal commitment

19 to save their lives from death

≈and to keep them alive whenever there’s a famine.

20 We wait for Yahweh’s response—

he’s our help and our protection.

21 We’re happy because of what he’s done for us

because we trust in his sacred reputation.

22 Let your loyal commitment, Yahweh, be with us

as we put our hope in you.

34 A song by David who pretended to be insane in front of King Avimelek, causing the king to send him away.

34 I will praise Yahweh at all times.

I’ll always be praising him out loud.

2 I will praise Yahweh!

Let those who’re oppressed hear and celebrate.

3 Praise Yahweh with me.

Let’s compliment him together.

4 I searched for Yahweh and he answered me,

and he helped me overcome all my fears.

5 Those who put their trust in him are radiant,

and have no need to feel ashamed.

6 This oppressed man called out for help

and Yahweh heard him and saved him from all his troubles.

7 Yahweh’s messenger stands guard around those who fear Yahweh

and rescues them.

8 Taste and see that Yahweh is good.

Anyone who looks to him for their safety will prosper.

9 Fear Yahweh, you who belong to him.

There’s no lack for those who honour him.

10 Young lions sometimes lack food and go hungry,

but those who put their trust in Yahweh won’t lack anything good.

11 Come and listen to me, my children.

I’ll teach you how to honour Yahweh.

12 Anyone who desires life and wants a long life

in order to experience good things

13 then don’t let evil words come out of your mouth,

≈and keep your lips from speaking lies.

14 Turn away from evil

≈and do good.

Seek peace

≈and go after it.

15 Yahweh’s eyes are on those who try to obey him

≈and his ears are directed toward their calls for help.

16 Yahweh works against those who do evil—

to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17 The godly people cry out and Yahweh hears

and he rescues them from all their troubles.

18 Yahweh is close to the brokenhearted,

≈and he saves whose spirits feel crushed.

19 Godly people have many troubles,

but Yahweh rescues them from them all.

20 He keeps all his bones—

≈not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will bounce back and kill the wicked.

≈and those who hate godly people will be condemned.

22 Yahweh rescues the lives of his servants.

≈None of those who go to him for safety will be condemned.

35 A song by David.

35 Yahweh, work against those who work against me.

≈Fight against those who fight against me.

2 Take hold of your shield and your arm protector,

and come to help me.

3 Use your spear and battle ax against those who chase me.

Tell my soul, “I’m here to save you.”

4 May those who seek my life be shamed and dishonoured.

≈Cause those who plan to harm me to be turned back and confused.

5 May they become like chaff blown around by the wind,

as Yahweh’s messenger drives them away.

6 May their path be dark and slippery,

as Yahweh’s messenger chases after them.

7 They set their net for me for no good reason.

≈Without cause they dug a pit to take my life.

8 Let destruction overtake them by surprise.

Let their own net that they set, catch them—

let them fall to their destruction in it.

9 But I’ll be happy about Yahweh

and celebrate because he saves me.

10 All my bones will say, “Yahweh, who is like you,

who rescues the oppressed people from those who are too strong for them

and the poor and needy from those who try to rob them?”

11 Violent accusers come out of the woodwork

asking me about things that I know nothing about.

12 They repay me with evil for good—

I feel like I’m dying on the inside.

13 When they were sick, I wore sackcloth

as I fasted for them and prayed with my head bowed on my chest.

14 I went about in grief as if it was my brother.

≈I bowed my head in mourning as if it was my mother.

15 But any time that I stumbled, they were pleased and gathered together.

They gathered together against me without me knowing.

They tore at me without stopping.

16 With no respect at all, they mocked me.

They grind their teeth at me in rage.

17 My master, how much longer will you just look on for?

Rescue my soul from their destructive attacks—

≈my life from the lions.

18 Then I’ll thank you when everyone’s gathered together.

≈I’ll praise you in front of many people.

19 Don’t let my deceitful enemies celebrate over my loses.

Don’t let those who hate me for no reason wink at each other,

20 because they don’t talk peaceably,

but they devise deceitful stories against those in our land who live in peace.

21 They open their mouths wide against me,

having said, “Aha, Aha, our own eyes have seen it.”

22 You’ve seen it, Yahweh, don’t be silent.

≈My master, don’t be distant from me.

23 Arouse yourself and awake to my defence.

≈My God and my master, defend my cause.

24 Yahweh, my God, vindicate me because you always do what is right.

Don’t let my enemies celebrate over my defeat.

25 Don’t let them say to themselves, “Aha, we got what we wanted.”

≈Don’t let them say, “We’ve obliterated him.”

26 Let anyone who’s happy at my distress be put to shame and become confused.

≈Let those who think they’re better than me be clothed with shame and dishonour.

27 Let those who desire my vindication shout happily and be glad.

May they continually say, “Yahweh be praised—

he who gladly ensues the welfare of his servant.”

28 Then I’ll tell others about your justice

and praise you all day long.

36 For the musical director: a song by Yahweh’s servant David.

36 My heart struggles with the disobedience of evil people.

They see no need to worry about God

2 because they comfort themselves

thinking that their sin won’t be discovered and be hated.

3 Their words are sinful and deceitful.

They don’t want to be wise and do good.

4 They plot wicked things even when they’re lying in bed.

≈They decide on a path that’s no good—not rejecting evil.

5 Your loyal commitment, Yahweh, reaches to the heavens.

≈Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the highest[fn] mountains.

≈Your judgments are like the deepest ocean.

Yahweh, you preserve both people and animals.

7 God, your loyal commitment is so valuable.

You protect us like birds protect their babies under their wings.

8 They feast from the plentiful provisions in your creation.

You let them drink the sweet water from your river.

9 We see light in your light

because you are the fountain of life.

10 Fully show your loyal commitment to those who know you.

≈Extend your defence to those who’re godly.

11 Don’t let arrogant people approach me.

Don’t let the action of wicked people drive me away.

12 The wicked people have fallen down over there.

They’ve been knocked down and aren’t able to get up.

37 A song by David.

37 Don’t be irritated by those who do evil.

≈Don’t be envious of those who do what is wrong,

2 because they’ll soon dry up like the grass

≈and wither as the green plants.

3 Trust in Yahweh and do what is good.

Settle in the land and appreciate faithfulness.

4 Then delight yourself in Yahweh,

and he’ll give you what you really desire.

5 Give your path to Yahweh.

Trust in him, and he’ll act on your behalf.

6 He’ll display your justice like the daylight

≈and your innocence like the day at noon.

7 Be still in front of Yahweh and wait patiently for him.

Don’t be angry if others succeed in what they do,

or when they make evil plots.

8 Don’t be angry and frustrated.

Don’t be a worrier—that only makes trouble.

9 Those who do evil will be eliminated,

but those who strive to obey for Yahweh will end up owning the land.

10 In a little while the evil people will disappear.

You’ll look at the place where they were, but they’ll be gone.

11 But the meek will inherit the land

and will delight in great prosperity.

12 The wicked people plot against the righteous

≈and grind their teeth in rage against them.

13 My master laughs at them,

because he knows that their day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out their swords and have bent their bows

to birng the oppressed and needy down—

yes, to kill those who are godly.

15 Their swords will pierce their own hearts,

and their bows will be broken.

16 It’s better to do right and only have a little,

than to be wicked and rich,

17 because the arms of the wicked people will be broken,

but Yahweh supports people who’re righteous.

18 Yahweh keeps an eye on those who’re blameless,

and they won’t lose their inheritance.

19 They won’t be shamed when times are bad.

When famine comes, they’ll have enough to eat,

20 because evil people will die.

Yahweh’s enemies will be like the fleeting beauty of the fields—

they’ll be consumed and disappear in the smoke.

21 Wicked people borrow but never repay,

but the godly person is generous and gives.

22 Those who are blessed by God will own the land,

but those who are cursed by him will be wiped out.

23 It is by Yahweh that a person’s steps are established,

and he takes pleasure in observing their path.

24 Even if they stumble, they won’t fall on their face,

because Yahweh is right there helping them.

25 I was young and now I’m old

and I’ve never seen the righteous person abandoned

or their children out begging for food.

26 All day long, they’re gracious and lend to those more needy,

and their children become a blessing to others.

27 Turn away from evil and do what is right,

then you will go on living

28 because Yahweh loves justice and doesn’t abandon those who’re faithful to him.

They’re preserved forever, but the descendants of wicked people will be eliminated.

29 The godly people will inherit the land

≈and always live there.

30 Godly people expound wisdom

≈and promote justice.

31 God’s law is always on their minds.

Their feet won’t slip.

32 The wicked person watches the righteous

and seeks to kill them.

33 Yahweh won’t abandon them into the evil person’s hand

or condemn them when they’re judged.

34 Wait for Yahweh and stay on the path he showed you,

then he’ll assist you to possess the land he promised.

You’ll see those who’re wicked get eliminated.

35 I’ve seen a wicked and terrifying person

spreading out like a luxuriant tree in its native soil.

36 However, when I passed by again, they weren’t there.

≈I looked for them, but they couldn’t be found.

37 Observe the person of integrity, and notice those who’re godly.

There’s a good future for a peaceful person.

38 Sinners will be totally destroyed;

≈The future will be cut off for wicked people.

39 Yahweh is the one who saves godly people.

≈He protects them in the times of trouble.

40 Yahweh helps them and rescues them.

He rescues them from evil people and saves them

because they’ve gone to him as a place of safety.

38 A song by David for the memorial offering.

38 Yahweh, don’t rebuke me in your anger.

≈Don’t punish me in your rage,

2 because your arrows pierce me,

≈and your hand presses me down.

3 My whole body is weak because of your anger.

There’s no health in my bones because of my disobedience,

4 because my sins overwhelm me.

They’re a burden that’s too heavy for me.

5 My festering wounds smell bad

because of my foolish behaviour.

6 I’m stooped over and humiliated every day.

I go about mourning all day long,

7 because I have burning pain in my bowels.

≈My body just isn’t healthy.

8 I’m numb and completely crushed.

I groan because of the anguish in my heart.

9 My master, you understand my heart’s deepest longings,

≈and my groanings aren’t hidden from you.

10 My heart pounds,

≈my strength fades,

≈and my eyesight dims.

11 My friends and companions shun me because of my condition.

My relatives keep their distance.

12 Those who want me dead lay snares for me.

They who desire harm for me speak destructive words

and say sprout treachery all day long.

13 But as for me, I’m like a deaf man who can’t hear.

≈I’m like a mute man who says nothing.

14 I’m like a man who can’t hear

and so can’t so anything in my defence

15 but instead I wait for you, Yahweh.

→My master God, you’ll answer me

16 because I prayed, "Hear me, so that they won’t gloat over me.

If my foot slips, they’ll do terrible things to me,

17 because I’m about to stumble,

and I’m in constant pain.

18 I confess my guilt.

≈I’m anxious because of my sin.

19 My enemies are numerous.

≈Those who hate me wrongfully are many.

20 They repay me with evil for good.

≈They hurl accusations at me although I try to do what’s good.

21 Don’t abandon me, Yahweh.

My God, don’t be distant from me.

22 Come quickly to help me,

my master who saves me.

39 For the musical director: A song by David for Yedutun.

39 I decided that I’ll watch what I say

so that I won’t sin with my lips.

I’ll muzzle my mouth while in the presence of evil people.

2 I kept silent.

I refrained even from saying anything good, and my pain grew worse.

3 My heart became hot when I thought about these things.

≈It burned like a fire, then finally I spoke.

4 “Yahweh, make me know when the end of my life will be

≈and the extent of my days.

Let me see how transient I am.

5 See, you’ve made my days only the width of my hand,

and my lifetime is like nothing in your sight.

Surely all of humanity is just a single breath. (Instrumental break.)

6 Surely every person walks around like a shadow.

Surely everyone hurries about to accumulate riches although they don’t know who’ll inherit them.

7 Now, my master, what am I waiting for?

→My hope is in you.

8 Rescue me from my disobedience.

Don’t allow fools to be able to mock me.

9 I can’t speak and can’t even open my mouth,

because it’s you who has done it.

10 Stop wounding me.

I’m overwhelmed by the blow of your hand.

11 When you discipline people for disobedience,

like a moth, you consume the things they value.

Surely all people are nothing but vapour. (Instrumental break.)

12 Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and my call for help.

≈Listen to my weeping.

Don’t be deaf to me,

because I’m like a foreigner with you—a refugee like all my ancestors were.

13 Stop staring at me so that I can smile again

before I die.

40 For the musical director: a song by David.

40 I waited patiently for Yahweh to help me.

He listened to me and heard my cry.

2 He brought me up out of a horrible pit in the sticky clay,

^and he set my feet on a rock and made my steps secure.

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41 For the musical director: a song by David.

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For the musical director: the song[fn] of Kura’s descendants.

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44 For the musical director: the song[fn] of Kura’s descendants.

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45 For the musical director: the song[fn] of Kura’s descendants. A song of loving to be sung like singing of ‘Lilies’.

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46 For the musical director: the song of Kura’s descendants. This is to be sung of soprano[fn] me voice.

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