Bible Reading Plan

² God looks down from heaven^(d)
     on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,^(e)
     any who seek God.^(f)
3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt;
     there is no one who does good,
     not even one.^(g)

⁴ Do all these evildoers know nothing?

They devour my people as though eating bread;
     they never call on God.
⁵ But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
     where there was nothing to dread.^(h)
God scattered the bones⁽ⁱ⁾ of those who attacked you;^(j)
     you put them to shame,^(k) for God despised them.^(l)

⁶ Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
     When God restores his people,
     let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

³ Arrogant foes are attacking me;^(f)
     ruthless people^(g) are trying to kill me^(h)—
     people without regard for God.^[c](i)

⁴ Surely God is my help;^(j)
     the Lord is the one who sustains me.^(k)

⁵ Let evil recoil^(l) on those who slander me;
     in your faithfulness^(m) destroy them.

⁶ I will sacrifice a freewill offering⁽ⁿ⁾ to you;
     I will praise^(o) your name, Lord , for it is good.^(p)
7 You have delivered me^(q) from all my troubles,
     and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.^(r)

⁴ My heart is in anguish^(g) within me;
     the terrors^(h) of death have fallen on me.
⁵ Fear and trembling⁽ⁱ⁾ have beset me;
     horror^(j) has overwhelmed me.
⁶ I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
     I would fly away and be at rest.
⁷ I would flee far away
     and stay in the desert;^[c](k)
8 I would hurry to my place of shelter,^(l)
     far from the tempest and storm.^(m)"

⁹ Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words,⁽ⁿ⁾
     for I see violence and strife^(o) in the city.^(p)
10 Day and night they prowl^(q) about on its walls;
     malice and abuse are within it.
¹¹ Destructive forces^(r) are at work in the city;
     threats and lies^(s) never leave its streets.

¹² If an enemy were insulting me,
     I could endure it;
if a foe were rising against me,
     I could hide.
¹³ But it is you, a man like myself,
     my companion, my close friend,^(t)
14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship^(u)
     at the house of God,^(v)
as we walked about
     among the worshipers.

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

¹⁶ As for me, I call to God,
     and the Lord saves me.
¹⁷ Evening,^(y) morning^(z) and noon^(aa)
     I cry out in distress,
     and he hears my voice.
¹⁸ He rescues me unharmed
     from the battle waged against me,
     even though many oppose me.
¹⁹ God, who is enthroned from of old,^(ab)
     who does not change—
he will hear^(ac) them and humble them,
     because they have no fear of God.^(ad)

²⁰ My companion attacks his friends;^(ae)
     he violates his covenant.^(af)
21 His talk is smooth as butter,^(ag)
     yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,^(ah)
     yet they are drawn swords.^(ai)

²² Cast your cares on the Lord
     and he will sustain you;^(aj)
he will never let
     the righteous be shaken.^(ak)
23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked
     into the pit^(al) of decay;
the bloodthirsty and deceitful^(am)
     will not live out half their days.^(an)

But as for me, I trust in you.^(ao)

³ When I am afraid,^(f) I put my trust in you.^(g)
4       In God, whose word I praise—^(h)
in God I trust and am not afraid.⁽ⁱ⁾
     What can mere mortals do to me?^(j)

⁵ All day long they twist my words;^(k)
     all their schemes are for my ruin.
⁶ They conspire,^(l) they lurk,
     they watch my steps,^(m)
     hoping to take my life.^(n)
7 Because of their wickedness do not^[c] let them escape;^(o)
     in your anger, God, bring the nations down.^(p)

⁸ Record my misery;
     list my tears on your scroll^[d](q)—
     are they not in your record?^(r)
9 Then my enemies will turn back^(s)
     when I call for help.^(t)
     By this I will know that God is for me.^(u)

¹⁰ In God, whose word I praise,
     in the Lord , whose word I praise—
¹¹ in God I trust and am not afraid.
     What can man do to me?

¹² I am under vows^(v) to you, my God;
     I will present my thank offerings to you.
¹³ For you have delivered me from death^(w)
     and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
     in the light of life.^(x)

² I cry out to God Most High,
     to God, who vindicates me.^(f)
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,^(g)
     rebuking those who hotly pursue me—^[c](h)
     God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.⁽ⁱ⁾

⁴ I am in the midst of lions;^(j)
     I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
     whose tongues are sharp swords.^(k)

⁵ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
     let your glory be over all the earth.^(l)

⁶ They spread a net for my feet^(m)—
     I was bowed down⁽ⁿ⁾ in distress.
They dug a pit^(o) in my path—
     but they have fallen into it themselves.^(p)

⁷ My heart, O God, is steadfast,
     my heart is steadfast;^(q)
     I will sing and make music.
⁸ Awake, my soul!
     Awake, harp and lyre!^(r)
     I will awaken the dawn.

⁹ I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
     I will sing of you among the peoples.
¹⁰ For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
     your faithfulness reaches to the skies.^(s)

¹¹ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;^(t)
     let your glory be over all the earth.^(u)

³ Even from birth the wicked go astray;
     from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies.
⁴ Their venom is like the venom of a snake,^(d)
     like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears,
⁵ that will not heed^(e) the tune of the charmer,^(f)
     however skillful the enchanter may be.

⁶ Break the teeth in their mouths, O God;^(g)
     Lord , tear out the fangs of those lions!^(h)
7 Let them vanish like water that flows away;⁽ⁱ⁾
     when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short.^(j)
8 May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along,^(k)
     like a stillborn child^(l) that never sees the sun.

⁹ Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns^(m)—
     whether they be green or dry—the wicked will be swept away.^[c](n)
10 The righteous will be glad^(o) when they are avenged,^(p)
     when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked.^(q)
11 Then people will say,
     "Surely the righteous still are rewarded;^(r)
     surely there is a God who judges the earth."^(s)

³ See how they lie in wait for me!
     Fierce men conspire^(f) against me
     for no offense or sin of mine, Lord .
⁴ I have done no wrong,^(g) yet they are ready to attack me.^(h)
     Arise to help me; look on my plight!^(i)
5 You, Lord God Almighty,
     you who are the God of Israel,^(j)
rouse yourself^(k) to punish all the nations;^(l)
     show no mercy to wicked traitors.^[c](m)

⁶ They return at evening,
     snarling like dogs,⁽ⁿ⁾
     and prowl about the city.
⁷ See what they spew from their mouths^(o)—
     the words from their lips are sharp as swords,^(p)
     and they think, "Who can hear us?"^(q)
8 But you laugh at them, Lord ;^(r)
     you scoff at all those nations.^(s)

⁹ You are my strength,^(t) I watch for you;
     you, God, are my fortress,^(u)
10       my God on whom I can rely.

God will go before me
     and will let me gloat over those who slander me.
¹¹ But do not kill them, Lord our shield,^[d](v)
     or my people will forget.^(w)
In your might uproot them
     and bring them down.^(x)
12 For the sins of their mouths,^(y)
     for the words of their lips,^(z)
     let them be caught in their pride.^(aa)
For the curses and lies they utter,
¹³       consume them in your wrath,
     consume them till they are no more.^(ab)
Then it will be known to the ends of the earth
     that God rules over Jacob.^(ac)

¹⁴ They return at evening,
     snarling like dogs,
     and prowl about the city.
¹⁵ They wander about for food^(ad)
     and howl if not satisfied.
¹⁶ But I will sing^(ae) of your strength,^(af)
     in the morning^(ag) I will sing of your love;^(ah)
for you are my fortress,^(ai)
     my refuge in times of trouble.^(aj)

¹⁷ You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
     you, God, are my fortress,
     my God on whom I can rely.^(ak)

⁵ Save us and help us with your right hand,^(k)
     that those you love^(l) may be delivered.
⁶ God has spoken from his sanctuary:
     "In triumph I will parcel out Shechem^(m)
     and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth.^(n)
7 Gilead^(o) is mine, and Manasseh is mine;
     Ephraim^(p) is my helmet,
     Judah^(q) is my scepter.^(r)
8 Moab is my washbasin,
     on Edom I toss my sandal;
     over Philistia I shout in triumph.^(s)"

⁹ Who will bring me to the fortified city?
     Who will lead me to Edom?
¹⁰ Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us
     and no longer go out with our armies?^(t)
11 Give us aid against the enemy,
     for human help is worthless.^(u)
12 With God we will gain the victory,
     and he will trample down our enemies.^(v)

² From the ends of the earth I call to you,
     I call as my heart grows faint;^(c)
     lead me to the rock^(d) that is higher than I.
³ For you have been my refuge,^(e)
     a strong tower against the foe.^(f)

⁴ I long to dwell^(g) in your tent forever
     and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.^[b](h)
5 For you, God, have heard my vows;⁽ⁱ⁾
     you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.^(j)

⁶ Increase the days of the king's life,^(k)
     his years for many generations.^(l)
7 May he be enthroned in God's presence forever;^(m)
     appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.⁽ⁿ⁾

⁸ Then I will ever sing in praise of your name^(o)
     and fulfill my vows day after day.^(p)

³ How long will you assault me?
     Would all of you throw me down—
     this leaning wall,^(g) this tottering fence?
⁴ Surely they intend to topple me
     from my lofty place;
     they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
     but in their hearts they curse.^[b](h)

⁵ Yes, my soul, find rest in God;⁽ⁱ⁾
     my hope comes from him.
⁶ Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
     he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
⁷ My salvation and my honor depend on God^[c];
     he is my mighty rock, my refuge.^(j)
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;^(k)
     pour out your hearts to him,^(l)
     for God is our refuge.

⁹ Surely the lowborn^(m) are but a breath,⁽ⁿ⁾
     the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance,^(o) they are nothing;
     together they are only a breath.
¹⁰ Do not trust in extortion^(p)
     or put vain hope in stolen goods;^(q)
though your riches increase,
     do not set your heart on them.^(r)

¹¹ One thing God has spoken,
     two things I have heard:
"Power belongs to you, God,^(s)
12       and with you, Lord, is unfailing love";^(t)
and, "You reward everyone
     according to what they have done."^(u)

² I have seen you in the sanctuary^(c)
     and beheld your power and your glory.^(d)
3 Because your love is better than life,^(e)
     my lips will glorify you.
⁴ I will praise you as long as I live,^(f)
     and in your name I will lift up my hands.^(g)
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;^(h)
     with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

⁶ On my bed I remember you;
     I think of you through the watches of the night.^(i)
7 Because you are my help,^(j)
     I sing in the shadow of your wings.^(k)
8 I cling to you;^(l)
     your right hand upholds me.^(m)

⁹ Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;⁽ⁿ⁾
     they will go down to the depths of the earth.^(o)
10 They will be given over to the sword^(p)
     and become food for jackals.^(q)

¹¹ But the king will rejoice in God;
     all who swear by God will glory in him,^(r)
     while the mouths of liars will be silenced.^(s)

² Hide me from the conspiracy^(c) of the wicked,^(d)
     from the plots of evildoers.
³ They sharpen their tongues like swords^(e)
     and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.^(f)
4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent;^(g)
     they shoot suddenly, without fear.^(h)

⁵ They encourage each other in evil plans,
     they talk about hiding their snares;⁽ⁱ⁾
     they say, "Who will see it^[b]?"^(j)
6 They plot injustice and say,
     "We have devised a perfect plan!"
     Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

⁷ But God will shoot them with his arrows;
     they will suddenly be struck down.
⁸ He will turn their own tongues against them^(k)
     and bring them to ruin;
     all who see them will shake their heads^(l) in scorn.^(m)
9 All people will fear;⁽ⁿ⁾
     they will proclaim the works of God
     and ponder what he has done.^(o)

¹⁰ The righteous will rejoice in the Lord ^(p)
     and take refuge in him;^(q)
     all the upright in heart will glory in him!^(r)

⁵ You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,⁽ⁱ⁾
     God our Savior,^(j)
the hope of all the ends of the earth^(k)
     and of the farthest seas,^(l)
6 who formed the mountains^(m) by your power,
     having armed yourself with strength,^(n)
7 who stilled the roaring of the seas,^(o)
     the roaring of their waves,
     and the turmoil of the nations.^(p)
8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
     where morning dawns, where evening fades,
     you call forth songs of joy.^(q)

⁹ You care for the land and water it;^(r)
     you enrich it abundantly.^(s)
The streams of God are filled with water
     to provide the people with grain,^(t)
     for so you have ordained it.^[d]
10 You drench its furrows and level its ridges;
     you soften it with showers^(u) and bless its crops.
¹¹ You crown the year with your bounty,^(v)
     and your carts overflow with abundance.^(w)
12 The grasslands of the wilderness overflow;^(x)
     the hills are clothed with gladness.^(y)
13 The meadows are covered with flocks^(z)
     and the valleys are mantled with grain;^(aa)
     they shout for joy and sing.^(ab)

⁵ Come and see what God has done,
     his awesome deeds^(h) for mankind!
⁶ He turned the sea into dry land,⁽ⁱ⁾
     they passed through^(j) the waters on foot—
     come, let us rejoice^(k) in him.
⁷ He rules forever^(l) by his power,
     his eyes watch^(m) the nations—
     let not the rebellious⁽ⁿ⁾ rise up against him.

⁸ Praise^(o) our God, all peoples,
     let the sound of his praise be heard;
⁹ he has preserved our lives^(p)
     and kept our feet from slipping.^(q)
10 For you, God, tested^(r) us;
     you refined us like silver.^(s)
11 You brought us into prison^(t)
     and laid burdens^(u) on our backs.
¹² You let people ride over our heads;^(v)
     we went through fire and water,
     but you brought us to a place of abundance.^(w)

¹³ I will come to your temple with burnt offerings^(x)
     and fulfill my vows^(y) to you—
¹⁴ vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke
     when I was in trouble.
¹⁵ I will sacrifice fat animals to you
     and an offering of rams;
     I will offer bulls and goats.^(z)

¹⁶ Come and hear,^(aa) all you who fear God;
     let me tell^(ab) you what he has done for me.
¹⁷ I cried out to him with my mouth;
     his praise was on my tongue.
¹⁸ If I had cherished sin in my heart,
     the Lord would not have listened;^(ac)
19 but God has surely listened
     and has heard^(ad) my prayer.
²⁰ Praise be to God,
     who has not rejected^(ae) my prayer
     or withheld his love from me!

³ May the peoples praise you, God;
     may all the peoples praise you.^(d)
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,^(e)
     for you rule the peoples with equity^(f)
     and guide the nations of the earth.^(g)
5 May the peoples praise you, God;
     may all the peoples praise you.

⁶ The land yields its harvest;^(h)
     God, our God, blesses us.^(i)
7 May God bless us still,
     so that all the ends of the earth^(j) will fear him.^(k)

⁴ Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,^(h)
     extol him who rides on the clouds^[b](i);
     rejoice before him—his name is the Lord .^(j)
5 A father to the fatherless,^(k) a defender of widows,^(l)
     is God in his holy dwelling.^(m)
6 God sets the lonely⁽ⁿ⁾ in families,^[c](o)
     he leads out the prisoners^(p) with singing;
     but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.^(q)

⁷ When you, God, went out^(r) before your people,
     when you marched through the wilderness,^[d](s)
8 the earth shook,^(t) the heavens poured down rain,^(u)
     before God, the One of Sinai,^(v)
     before God, the God of Israel.^(w)
9 You gave abundant showers,^(x) O God;
     you refreshed your weary inheritance.
¹⁰ Your people settled in it,
     and from your bounty,^(y) God, you provided^(z) for the poor.

¹¹ The Lord announces the word,
     and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng:^(aa)
12 "Kings and armies flee^(ab) in haste;
     the women at home divide the plunder.^(ac)
13 Even while you sleep among the sheep pens,^[e](ad)
     the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver,
     its feathers with shining gold."
¹⁴ When the Almighty^[f] scattered^(ae) the kings in the land,
     it was like snow fallen on Mount Zalmon.^(af)

¹⁵ Mount Bashan,^(ag) majestic mountain,^(ah)
     Mount Bashan, rugged mountain,
¹⁶ why gaze in envy, you rugged mountain,
     at the mountain where God chooses^(ai) to reign,
     where the Lord himself will dwell forever?^(aj)
17 The chariots^(ak) of God are tens of thousands
     and thousands of thousands;^(al)
     the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.^[g]
18 When you ascended^(am) on high,^(an)
     you took many captives;^(ao)
     you received gifts from people,^(ap)
even from^[h] the rebellious^(aq)—
     that you,^[i] Lord God, might dwell there.

¹⁹ Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,^(ar)
     who daily bears our burdens.^(as)
20 Our God is a God who saves;^(at)
     from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.^(au)
21 Surely God will crush the heads^(av) of his enemies,
     the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins.
²² The Lord says, "I will bring them from Bashan;
     I will bring them from the depths of the sea,^(aw)
23 that your feet may wade in the blood of your foes,^(ax)
     while the tongues of your dogs^(ay) have their share."

²⁴ Your procession, God, has come into view,
     the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.^(az)
25 In front are the singers,^(ba) after them the musicians;^(bb)
     with them are the young women playing the timbrels.^(bc)
26 Praise God in the great congregation;^(bd)
     praise the Lord in the assembly of Israel.^(be)
27 There is the little tribe^(bf) of Benjamin,^(bg) leading them,
     there the great throng of Judah's princes,
     and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.^(bh)

²⁸ Summon your power,^(bi) God^[j];
     show us your strength,^(bj) our God, as you have done^(bk) before.
²⁹ Because of your temple at Jerusalem
     kings will bring you gifts.^(bl)
30 Rebuke the beast^(bm) among the reeds,^(bn)
     the herd of bulls^(bo) among the calves of the nations.
Humbled, may the beast bring bars of silver.
     Scatter the nations^(bp) who delight in war.^(bq)
31 Envoys will come from Egypt;^(br)
     Cush^[k](bs) will submit herself to God.

³² Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth,^(bt)
     sing praise^(bu) to the Lord,
³³ to him who rides^(bv) across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens,
     who thunders^(bw) with mighty voice.^(bx)
34 Proclaim the power^(by) of God,
     whose majesty^(bz) is over Israel,
     whose power is in the heavens.
³⁵ You, God, are awesome^(ca) in your sanctuary;^(cb)
     the God of Israel gives power and strength^(cc) to his people.^(cd)

Praise be to God!^(ce)

⁵ You, God, know my folly;^(j)
     my guilt is not hidden from you.^(k)

⁶ Lord, the Lord Almighty,
     may those who hope in you
     not be disgraced because of me;
God of Israel,
     may those who seek you
     not be put to shame because of me.
⁷ For I endure scorn^(l) for your sake,^(m)
     and shame covers my face.^(n)
8 I am a foreigner to my own family,
     a stranger to my own mother's children;^(o)
9 for zeal for your house consumes me,^(p)
     and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.^(q)
10 When I weep and fast,^(r)
     I must endure scorn;
¹¹ when I put on sackcloth,^(s)
     people make sport of me.
¹² Those who sit at the gate^(t) mock me,
     and I am the song of the drunkards.^(u)

¹³ But I pray to you, Lord ,
     in the time of your favor;^(v)
in your great love,^(w) O God,
     answer me with your sure salvation.
¹⁴ Rescue me from the mire,
     do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
     from the deep waters.^(x)
15 Do not let the floodwaters^(y) engulf me
     or the depths swallow me up^(z)
     or the pit close its mouth over me.^(aa)

¹⁶ Answer me, Lord , out of the goodness of your love;^(ab)
     in your great mercy turn to me.
¹⁷ Do not hide your face^(ac) from your servant;
     answer me quickly,^(ad) for I am in trouble.^(ae)
18 Come near and rescue me;
     deliver^(af) me because of my foes.

¹⁹ You know how I am scorned,^(ag) disgraced and shamed;
     all my enemies are before you.
²⁰ Scorn has broken my heart
     and has left me helpless;
I looked for sympathy, but there was none,
     for comforters,^(ah) but I found none.^(ai)
21 They put gall in my food
     and gave me vinegar^(aj) for my thirst.^(ak)

²² May the table set before them become a snare;
     may it become retribution and^[b] a trap.^(al)
23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
     and their backs be bent forever.^(am)
24 Pour out your wrath^(an) on them;
     let your fierce anger overtake them.
²⁵ May their place be deserted;^(ao)
     let there be no one to dwell in their tents.^(ap)
26 For they persecute those you wound
     and talk about the pain of those you hurt.^(aq)
27 Charge them with crime upon crime;^(ar)
     do not let them share in your salvation.^(as)
28 May they be blotted out of the book of life^(at)
     and not be listed with the righteous.^(au)

²⁹ But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
     may your salvation, God, protect me.^(av)

³⁰ I will praise God's name in song^(aw)
     and glorify him^(ax) with thanksgiving.
³¹ This will please the Lord more than an ox,
     more than a bull with its horns and hooves.^(ay)
32 The poor will see and be glad^(az)—
     you who seek God, may your hearts live!^(ba)
33 The Lord hears the needy^(bb)
     and does not despise his captive people.

³⁴ Let heaven and earth praise him,
     the seas and all that move in them,^(bc)
35 for God will save Zion^(bd)
     and rebuild the cities of Judah.^(be)
Then people will settle there and possess it;
³⁶       the children of his servants will inherit it,^(bf)
     and those who love his name will dwell there.^(bg)

² May those who want to take my life^(c)
     be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
     be turned back in disgrace.^(d)
3 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"^(e)
     turn back because of their shame.
⁴ But may all who seek you^(f)
     rejoice and be glad^(g) in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
     "The Lord is great!"^(h)

⁵ But as for me, I am poor and needy;⁽ⁱ⁾
     come quickly to me,^(j) O God.
You are my help^(k) and my deliverer;^(l)
     Lord , do not delay.^(m)

⁵ For you have been my hope,⁽ⁱ⁾ Sovereign Lord ,
     my confidence^(j) since my youth.
⁶ From birth^(k) I have relied on you;
     you brought me forth from my mother's womb.^(l)
     I will ever praise^(m) you.
⁷ I have become a sign⁽ⁿ⁾ to many;
     you are my strong refuge.^(o)
8 My mouth^(p) is filled with your praise,
     declaring your splendor^(q) all day long.

⁹ Do not cast^(r) me away when I am old;^(s)
     do not forsake^(t) me when my strength is gone.
¹⁰ For my enemies^(u) speak against me;
     those who wait to kill^(v) me conspire^(w) together.
¹¹ They say, "God has forsaken^(x) him;
     pursue him and seize him,
     for no one will rescue^(y) him."
¹² Do not be far^(z) from me, my God;
     come quickly, God, to help^(aa) me.
¹³ May my accusers^(ab) perish in shame;^(ac)
     may those who want to harm me
     be covered with scorn and disgrace.^(ad)

¹⁴ As for me, I will always have hope;^(ae)
     I will praise you more and more.

¹⁵ My mouth will tell^(af) of your righteous deeds,^(ag)
     of your saving acts all day long—
     though I know not how to relate them all.
¹⁶ I will come and proclaim your mighty acts,^(ah) Sovereign Lord ;
     I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
¹⁷ Since my youth, God, you have taught^(ai) me,
     and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.^(aj)
18 Even when I am old and gray,^(ak)
     do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power^(al) to the next generation,
     your mighty acts to all who are to come.^(am)

¹⁹ Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,^(an)
     you who have done great things.^(ao)
     Who is like you, God?^(ap)
20 Though you have made me see troubles,^(aq)
     many and bitter,
     you will restore^(ar) my life again;
from the depths of the earth^(as)
     you will again bring me up.
²¹ You will increase my honor^(at)
     and comfort^(au) me once more.

²² I will praise you with the harp^(av)
     for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,^(aw)
     Holy One of Israel.^(ax)
23 My lips will shout for joy^(ay)
     when I sing praise to you—
     I whom you have delivered.^(az)
24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
     all day long,^(ba)
for those who wanted to harm me^(bb)
     have been put to shame and confusion.^(bc)

³ May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
     the hills the fruit of righteousness.
⁴ May he defend the afflicted^(c) among the people
     and save the children of the needy;^(d)
     may he crush the oppressor.^(e)
5 May he endure^[a](f) as long as the sun,
     as long as the moon, through all generations.^(g)
6 May he be like rain^(h) falling on a mown field,
     like showers watering the earth.
⁷ In his days may the righteous flourish⁽ⁱ⁾
     and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.

⁸ May he rule from sea to sea
     and from the River^[b](j) to the ends of the earth.^(k)
9 May the desert tribes bow before him
     and his enemies lick the dust.
¹⁰ May the kings of Tarshish^(l) and of distant shores^(m)
     bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba⁽ⁿ⁾ and Seba
     present him gifts.^(o)
11 May all kings bow down^(p) to him
     and all nations serve^(q) him.

¹² For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
     the afflicted who have no one to help.
¹³ He will take pity^(r) on the weak and the needy
     and save the needy from death.
¹⁴ He will rescue^(s) them from oppression and violence,
     for precious^(t) is their blood in his sight.

¹⁵ Long may he live!
     May gold from Sheba^(u) be given him.
May people ever pray for him
     and bless him all day long.^(v)
16 May grain^(w) abound throughout the land;
     on the tops of the hills may it sway.
May the crops^(x) flourish like Lebanon^(y)
     and thrive^[c] like the grass of the field.^(z)
17 May his name endure forever;^(aa)
     may it continue as long as the sun.^(ab)

Then all nations will be blessed through him,^[d]
     and they will call him blessed.^(ac)

² But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;^(b)
     I had nearly lost my foothold.^(c)
3 For I envied^(d) the arrogant
     when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.^(e)

⁴ They have no struggles;
     their bodies are healthy and strong.^[a]
5 They are free^(f) from common human burdens;
     they are not plagued by human ills.
⁶ Therefore pride^(g) is their necklace;^(h)
     they clothe themselves with violence.^(i)
7 From their callous hearts^(j) comes iniquity^[b];
     their evil imaginations have no limits.
⁸ They scoff, and speak with malice;^(k)
     with arrogance^(l) they threaten oppression.^(m)
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
     and their tongues take possession of the earth.
¹⁰ Therefore their people turn to them
     and drink up waters in abundance.^[c]
11 They say, "How would God know?
     Does the Most High know anything?"

¹² This is what the wicked are like—
     always free of care,⁽ⁿ⁾ they go on amassing wealth.^(o)

¹³ Surely in vain^(p) I have kept my heart pure
     and have washed my hands in innocence.^(q)
14 All day long I have been afflicted,^(r)
     and every morning brings new punishments.

¹⁵ If I had spoken out like that,
     I would have betrayed your children.
¹⁶ When I tried to understand^(s) all this,
     it troubled me deeply
¹⁷ till I entered the sanctuary^(t) of God;
     then I understood their final destiny.^(u)

¹⁸ Surely you place them on slippery ground;^(v)
     you cast them down to ruin.^(w)
19 How suddenly^(x) are they destroyed,
     completely swept away^(y) by terrors!
²⁰ They are like a dream^(z) when one awakes;^(aa)
     when you arise, Lord,
     you will despise them as fantasies.^(ab)

²¹ When my heart was grieved
     and my spirit embittered,
²² I was senseless^(ac) and ignorant;
     I was a brute beast^(ad) before you.

²³ Yet I am always with you;
     you hold me by my right hand.^(ae)
24 You guide^(af) me with your counsel,^(ag)
     and afterward you will take me into glory.
²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?^(ah)
     And earth has nothing I desire besides you.^(ai)
26 My flesh and my heart^(aj) may fail,^(ak)
     but God is the strength^(al) of my heart
     and my portion^(am) forever.

²⁷ Those who are far from you will perish;^(an)
     you destroy all who are unfaithful^(ao) to you.
²⁸ But as for me, it is good to be near God.^(ap)
     I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;^(aq)
     I will tell of all your deeds.^(ar)

⁴ Your foes roared^(k) in the place where you met with us;
     they set up their standards^(l) as signs.
⁵ They behaved like men wielding axes
     to cut through a thicket of trees.^(m)
6 They smashed all the carved⁽ⁿ⁾ paneling
     with their axes and hatchets.
⁷ They burned your sanctuary to the ground;
     they defiled^(o) the dwelling place^(p) of your Name.^(q)
8 They said in their hearts, "We will crush^(r) them completely!"
     They burned^(s) every place where God was worshiped in the land.

⁹ We are given no signs from God;^(t)
     no prophets^(u) are left,
     and none of us knows how long this will be.
¹⁰ How long^(v) will the enemy mock^(w) you, God?
     Will the foe revile^(x) your name forever?
¹¹ Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?^(y)
     Take it from the folds of your garment^(z) and destroy them!

¹² But God is my King^(aa) from long ago;
     he brings salvation^(ab) on the earth.

¹³ It was you who split open the sea^(ac) by your power;
     you broke the heads of the monster^(ad) in the waters.
¹⁴ It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan^(ae)
     and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.^(af)
15 It was you who opened up springs^(ag) and streams;
     you dried up^(ah) the ever-flowing rivers.
¹⁶ The day is yours, and yours also the night;
     you established the sun and moon.^(ai)
17 It was you who set all the boundaries^(aj) of the earth;
     you made both summer and winter.^(ak)

¹⁸ Remember how the enemy has mocked you, Lord ,
     how foolish people^(al) have reviled your name.
¹⁹ Do not hand over the life of your dove^(am) to wild beasts;
     do not forget the lives of your afflicted^(an) people forever.
²⁰ Have regard for your covenant,^(ao)
     because haunts of violence fill the dark places^(ap) of the land.
²¹ Do not let the oppressed^(aq) retreat in disgrace;
     may the poor and needy^(ar) praise your name.
²² Rise up,^(as) O God, and defend your cause;
     remember how fools^(at) mock you all day long.
²³ Do not ignore the clamor^(au) of your adversaries,^(av)
     the uproar^(aw) of your enemies,^(ax) which rises continually.

² You say, "I choose the appointed time;^(c)
     it is I who judge with equity.^(d)
3 When the earth and all its people quake,^(e)
     it is I who hold its pillars^(f) firm.^[b]
4 To the arrogant^(g) I say, ‘Boast no more,'^(h)
     and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.^[c](i)
5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;
     do not speak so defiantly.^(j)'"

⁶ No one from the east or the west
     or from the desert can exalt themselves.
⁷ It is God who judges:^(k)
     He brings one down, he exalts another.^(l)
8 In the hand of the Lord is a cup
     full of foaming wine mixed^(m) with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
     drink it down to its very dregs.⁽ⁿ⁾

⁹ As for me, I will declare^(o) this forever;
     I will sing^(p) praise to the God of Jacob,^(q)
10 who says, "I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
     but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up."^(r)

⁴ You are radiant with light,^(f)
     more majestic than mountains rich with game.
⁵ The valiant^(g) lie plundered,
     they sleep their last sleep;^(h)
not one of the warriors
     can lift his hands.
⁶ At your rebuke,⁽ⁱ⁾ God of Jacob,
     both horse and chariot^(j) lie still.

⁷ It is you alone who are to be feared.^(k)
     Who can stand^(l) before you when you are angry?^(m)
8 From heaven you pronounced judgment,
     and the land feared⁽ⁿ⁾ and was quiet—
⁹ when you, God, rose up to judge,^(o)
     to save all the afflicted^(p) of the land.
¹⁰ Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,^(q)
     and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.^[c]

¹¹ Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them;^(r)
     let all the neighboring lands
     bring gifts^(s) to the One to be feared.
¹² He breaks the spirit of rulers;
     he is feared by the kings of the earth.

³ I remembered^(f) you, God, and I groaned;^(g)
     I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.^[b](h)
4 You kept my eyes from closing;
     I was too troubled to speak.^(i)
5 I thought about the former days,^(j)
     the years of long ago;
⁶ I remembered my songs in the night.
     My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

⁷ "Will the Lord reject forever?^(k)
     Will he never show his favor^(l) again?
⁸ Has his unfailing love^(m) vanished forever?
     Has his promise⁽ⁿ⁾ failed for all time?
⁹ Has God forgotten to be merciful?^(o)
     Has he in anger withheld his compassion?^(p)"

¹⁰ Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:
     the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.^(q)
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord ;
     yes, I will remember your miracles^(r) of long ago.
¹² I will consider^(s) all your works
     and meditate on all your mighty deeds."^(t)

¹³ Your ways, God, are holy.
     What god is as great as our God?^(u)
14 You are the God who performs miracles;^(v)
     you display your power among the peoples.
¹⁵ With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,^(w)
     the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

¹⁶ The waters^(x) saw you, God,
     the waters saw you and writhed;^(y)
     the very depths were convulsed.
¹⁷ The clouds poured down water,^(z)
     the heavens resounded with thunder;^(aa)
     your arrows^(ab) flashed back and forth.
¹⁸ Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,^(ac)
     your lightning^(ad) lit up the world;
     the earth trembled and quaked.^(ae)
19 Your path^(af) led through the sea,^(ag)
     your way through the mighty waters,
     though your footprints were not seen.

²⁰ You led your people^(ah) like a flock^(ai)
     by the hand of Moses and Aaron.^(aj)

⁹ The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows,^(p)
     turned back on the day of battle;^(q)
10 they did not keep God's covenant^(r)
     and refused to live by his law.^(s)
11 They forgot what he had done,^(t)
     the wonders he had shown them.
¹² He did miracles^(u) in the sight of their ancestors
     in the land of Egypt,^(v) in the region of Zoan.^(w)
13 He divided the sea^(x) and led them through;
     he made the water stand up like a wall.^(y)
14 He guided them with the cloud by day
     and with light from the fire all night.^(z)
15 He split the rocks^(aa) in the wilderness
     and gave them water as abundant as the seas;
¹⁶ he brought streams out of a rocky crag
     and made water flow down like rivers.

¹⁷ But they continued to sin^(ab) against him,
     rebelling in the wilderness against the Most High.
¹⁸ They willfully put God to the test^(ac)
     by demanding the food they craved.^(ad)
19 They spoke against God;^(ae)
     they said, "Can God really
     spread a table in the wilderness?
²⁰ True, he struck the rock,
     and water gushed out,^(af)
     streams flowed abundantly,
but can he also give us bread?
     Can he supply meat^(ag) for his people?"
²¹ When the Lord heard them, he was furious;
     his fire broke out^(ah) against Jacob,
     and his wrath rose against Israel,
²² for they did not believe in God
     or trust^(ai) in his deliverance.
²³ Yet he gave a command to the skies above
     and opened the doors of the heavens;^(aj)
24 he rained down manna^(ak) for the people to eat,
     he gave them the grain of heaven.
²⁵ Human beings ate the bread of angels;
     he sent them all the food they could eat.
²⁶ He let loose the east wind^(al) from the heavens
     and by his power made the south wind blow.
²⁷ He rained meat down on them like dust,
     birds^(am) like sand on the seashore.
²⁸ He made them come down inside their camp,
     all around their tents.
²⁹ They ate till they were gorged—^(an)
     he had given them what they craved.
³⁰ But before they turned from what they craved,
     even while the food was still in their mouths,^(ao)
31 God's anger rose against them;
     he put to death the sturdiest^(ap) among them,
     cutting down the young men of Israel.

³² In spite of all this, they kept on sinning;^(aq)
     in spite of his wonders,^(ar) they did not believe.^(as)
33 So he ended their days in futility^(at)
     and their years in terror.
³⁴ Whenever God slew them, they would seek^(au) him;
     they eagerly turned to him again.
³⁵ They remembered that God was their Rock,^(av)
     that God Most High was their Redeemer.^(aw)
36 But then they would flatter him with their mouths,^(ax)
     lying to him with their tongues;
³⁷ their hearts were not loyal^(ay) to him,
     they were not faithful to his covenant.
³⁸ Yet he was merciful;^(az)
     he forgave^(ba) their iniquities^(bb)
     and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger^(bc)
     and did not stir up his full wrath.
³⁹ He remembered that they were but flesh,^(bd)
     a passing breeze^(be) that does not return.

⁴⁰ How often they rebelled^(bf) against him in the wilderness^(bg)
     and grieved him^(bh) in the wasteland!
⁴¹ Again and again they put God to the test;^(bi)
     they vexed the Holy One of Israel.^(bj)
42 They did not remember^(bk) his power—
     the day he redeemed them from the oppressor,^(bl)
43 the day he displayed his signs^(bm) in Egypt,
     his wonders^(bn) in the region of Zoan.
⁴⁴ He turned their river into blood;^(bo)
     they could not drink from their streams.
⁴⁵ He sent swarms of flies^(bp) that devoured them,
     and frogs^(bq) that devastated them.
⁴⁶ He gave their crops to the grasshopper,^(br)
     their produce to the locust.^(bs)
47 He destroyed their vines with hail^(bt)
     and their sycamore-figs with sleet.
⁴⁸ He gave over their cattle to the hail,
     their livestock^(bu) to bolts of lightning.
⁴⁹ He unleashed against them his hot anger,^(bv)
     his wrath, indignation and hostility—
     a band of destroying angels.^(bw)
50 He prepared a path for his anger;
     he did not spare them from death
     but gave them over to the plague.
⁵¹ He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt,^(bx)
     the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham.^(by)
52 But he brought his people out like a flock;^(bz)
     he led them like sheep through the wilderness.
⁵³ He guided them safely, so they were unafraid;
     but the sea engulfed^(ca) their enemies.^(cb)
54 And so he brought them to the border of his holy land,
     to the hill country his right hand^(cc) had taken.
⁵⁵ He drove out nations^(cd) before them
     and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance;^(ce)
     he settled the tribes of Israel in their homes.

⁵⁶ But they put God to the test
     and rebelled against the Most High;
     they did not keep his statutes.
⁵⁷ Like their ancestors^(cf) they were disloyal and faithless,
     as unreliable as a faulty bow.^(cg)
58 They angered him^(ch) with their high places;^(ci)
     they aroused his jealousy with their idols.^(cj)
59 When God heard^(ck) them, he was furious;^(cl)
     he rejected Israel^(cm) completely.
⁶⁰ He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh,^(cn)
     the tent he had set up among humans.^(co)
61 He sent the ark of his might^(cp) into captivity,^(cq)
     his splendor into the hands of the enemy.
⁶² He gave his people over to the sword;^(cr)
     he was furious with his inheritance.^(cs)
63 Fire consumed^(ct) their young men,
     and their young women had no wedding songs;^(cu)
64 their priests were put to the sword,^(cv)
     and their widows could not weep.

⁶⁵ Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,^(cw)
     as a warrior wakes from the stupor of wine.
⁶⁶ He beat back his enemies;
     he put them to everlasting shame.^(cx)
67 Then he rejected the tents of Joseph,
     he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim;^(cy)
68 but he chose the tribe of Judah,^(cz)
     Mount Zion,^(da) which he loved.
⁶⁹ He built his sanctuary^(db) like the heights,
     like the earth that he established forever.
⁷⁰ He chose David^(dc) his servant
     and took him from the sheep pens;
⁷¹ from tending the sheep^(dd) he brought him
     to be the shepherd^(de) of his people Jacob,
     of Israel his inheritance.
⁷² And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;^(df)
     with skillful hands he led them.

⁵ How long,^(j) Lord ? Will you be angry^(k) forever?
     How long will your jealousy burn like fire?^(l)
6 Pour out your wrath^(m) on the nations
     that do not acknowledge⁽ⁿ⁾ you,
on the kingdoms
     that do not call on your name;^(o)
7 for they have devoured^(p) Jacob
     and devastated his homeland.

⁸ Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;^(q)
     may your mercy come quickly to meet us,
     for we are in desperate need.^(r)
9 Help us,^(s) God our Savior,
     for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins
     for your name's sake.^(t)
10 Why should the nations say,
     "Where is their God?"^(u)

Before our eyes, make known among the nations
     that you avenge^(v) the outpoured blood^(w) of your servants.
¹¹ May the groans of the prisoners come before you;
     with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die.
¹² Pay back into the laps^(x) of our neighbors seven times^(y)
     the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord.
¹³ Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,^(z)
     will praise you forever;^(aa)
from generation to generation
     we will proclaim your praise.

³ Restore^(f) us,^(g) O God;
     make your face shine on us,
     that we may be saved.^(h)

⁴ How long,⁽ⁱ⁾ Lord God Almighty,
     will your anger smolder^(j)
     against the prayers of your people?
⁵ You have fed them with the bread of tears;^(k)
     you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.^(l)
6 You have made us an object of derision^[b] to our neighbors,
     and our enemies mock us.^(m)

⁷ Restore us, God Almighty;
     make your face shine on us,
     that we may be saved.⁽ⁿ⁾

⁸ You transplanted a vine^(o) from Egypt;
     you drove out^(p) the nations and planted^(q) it.
⁹ You cleared the ground for it,
     and it took root and filled the land.
¹⁰ The mountains were covered with its shade,
     the mighty cedars with its branches.
¹¹ Its branches reached as far as the Sea,^[c]
     its shoots as far as the River.^[d](r)

¹² Why have you broken down its walls^(s)
     so that all who pass by pick its grapes?
¹³ Boars from the forest ravage^(t) it,
     and insects from the fields feed on it.
¹⁴ Return to us, God Almighty!
     Look down from heaven and see!^(u)
Watch over this vine,
¹⁵       the root your right hand has planted,
     the son^[e] you have raised up for yourself.

¹⁶ Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire;^(v)
     at your rebuke^(w) your people perish.
¹⁷ Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand,
     the son of man^(x) you have raised up for yourself.
¹⁸ Then we will not turn away from you;
     revive^(y) us, and we will call on your name.

¹⁹ Restore us, Lord God Almighty;
     make your face shine on us,
     that we may be saved.

³ Sound the ram's horn^(e) at the New Moon,^(f)
     and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival;
⁴ this is a decree for Israel,
     an ordinance of the God of Jacob.^(g)
5 When God went out against Egypt,^(h)
     he established it as a statute for Joseph.

I heard an unknown voice say:⁽ⁱ⁾

⁶ "I removed the burden^(j) from their shoulders;^(k)
     their hands were set free from the basket.
⁷ In your distress you called^(l) and I rescued you,
     I answered^(m) you out of a thundercloud;
     I tested you at the waters of Meribah.^[c](n)
8 Hear me, my people,^(o) and I will warn you—
     if you would only listen to me, Israel!
⁹ You shall have no foreign god^(p) among you;
     you shall not worship any god other than me.
¹⁰ I am the Lord your God,
     who brought you up out of Egypt.^(q)
Open^(r) wide your mouth and I will fill^(s) it.

¹¹ "But my people would not listen to me;
     Israel would not submit to me.^(t)
12 So I gave them over^(u) to their stubborn hearts
     to follow their own devices.

¹³ "If my people would only listen to me,^(v)
     if Israel would only follow my ways,
¹⁴ how quickly I would subdue^(w) their enemies
     and turn my hand against^(x) their foes!
¹⁵ Those who hate the Lord would cringe^(y) before him,
     and their punishment would last forever.
¹⁶ But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;^(z)
     with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."

² "How long will you^[a] defend the unjust
     and show partiality^(c) to the wicked?^[b](d)
3 Defend the weak and the fatherless;^(e)
     uphold the cause of the poor^(f) and the oppressed.
⁴ Rescue the weak and the needy;
     deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

⁵ "The ‘gods' know nothing, they understand nothing.^(g)
     They walk about in darkness;^(h)
     all the foundations⁽ⁱ⁾ of the earth are shaken.

⁶ "I said, ‘You are "gods";^(j)
     you are all sons of the Most High.'
⁷ But you will die^(k) like mere mortals;
     you will fall like every other ruler."

⁸ Rise up,^(l) O God, judge^(m) the earth,
     for all the nations are your inheritance.⁽ⁿ⁾

⁵ With one mind they plot together;⁽ⁱ⁾
     they form an alliance against you—
⁶ the tents of Edom^(j) and the Ishmaelites,
     of Moab^(k) and the Hagrites,^(l)
7 Byblos,^(m) Ammon⁽ⁿ⁾ and Amalek,^(o)
     Philistia,^(p) with the people of Tyre.^(q)
8 Even Assyria^(r) has joined them
     to reinforce Lot's descendants.^[b](s)

⁹ Do to them as you did to Midian,^(t)
     as you did to Sisera^(u) and Jabin^(v) at the river Kishon,^(w)
10 who perished at Endor^(x)
     and became like dung^(y) on the ground.
¹¹ Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb,^(z)
     all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,^(aa)
12 who said, "Let us take possession^(ab)
     of the pasturelands of God."

¹³ Make them like tumbleweed, my God,
     like chaff^(ac) before the wind.
¹⁴ As fire consumes the forest
     or a flame sets the mountains ablaze,^(ad)
15 so pursue them with your tempest^(ae)
     and terrify them with your storm.^(af)
16 Cover their faces with shame,^(ag) Lord ,
     so that they will seek your name.

¹⁷ May they ever be ashamed and dismayed;^(ah)
     may they perish in disgrace.^(ai)
18 Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord ^(aj)—
     that you alone are the Most High^(ak) over all the earth.^(al)

⁵ Blessed are those whose strength^(h) is in you,
     whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.^(i)
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
     they make it a place of springs;^(j)
     the autumn^(k) rains also cover it with pools.^[d]
7 They go from strength to strength,^(l)
     till each appears^(m) before God in Zion.⁽ⁿ⁾

⁸ Hear my prayer,^(o) Lord God Almighty;
     listen to me, God of Jacob.
⁹ Look on our shield,^[e](p) O God;
     look with favor on your anointed one.^(q)

¹⁰ Better is one day in your courts
     than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper^(r) in the house of my God
     than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
¹¹ For the Lord God is a sun^(s) and shield;^(t)
     the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold^(u)
     from those whose walk is blameless.

¹²  Lord Almighty,
     blessed^(v) is the one who trusts in you.

⁴ Restore^(f) us again, God our Savior,^(g)
     and put away your displeasure toward us.
⁵ Will you be angry with us forever?^(h)
     Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
⁶ Will you not revive⁽ⁱ⁾ us again,
     that your people may rejoice^(j) in you?
⁷ Show us your unfailing love,^(k) Lord ,
     and grant us your salvation.^(l)

⁸ I will listen to what God the Lord says;
     he promises peace^(m) to his people, his faithful servants—
     but let them not turn to folly.^(n)
9 Surely his salvation^(o) is near those who fear him,
     that his glory^(p) may dwell in our land.

¹⁰ Love and faithfulness^(q) meet together;
     righteousness^(r) and peace kiss each other.
¹¹ Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
     and righteousness^(s) looks down from heaven.
¹² The Lord will indeed give what is good,^(t)
     and our land will yield^(u) its harvest.
¹³ Righteousness goes before him
     and prepares the way for his steps.

⁵ You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
     abounding in love^(f) to all who call to you.
⁶ Hear my prayer, Lord ;
     listen to my cry^(g) for mercy.
⁷ When I am in distress,^(h) I call⁽ⁱ⁾ to you,
     because you answer^(j) me.

⁸ Among the gods^(k) there is none like you,^(l) Lord;
     no deeds can compare with yours.
⁹ All the nations you have made
     will come^(m) and worship⁽ⁿ⁾ before you, Lord;
     they will bring glory^(o) to your name.
¹⁰ For you are great^(p) and do marvelous deeds;^(q)
     you alone^(r) are God.

¹¹ Teach me your way,^(s) Lord ,
     that I may rely on your faithfulness;^(t)
give me an undivided^(u) heart,
     that I may fear^(v) your name.
¹² I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;^(w)
     I will glorify your name forever.
¹³ For great is your love toward me;
     you have delivered me^(x) from the depths,
     from the realm of the dead.^(y)

¹⁴ Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;
     ruthless people are trying to kill me—
     they have no regard for you.^(z)
15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious^(aa) God,
     slow to anger,^(ab) abounding^(ac) in love and faithfulness.^(ad)
16 Turn to me^(ae) and have mercy^(af) on me;
     show your strength^(ag) in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
     just as my mother did.^(ah)
17 Give me a sign^(ai) of your goodness,
     that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
     for you, Lord , have helped me and comforted me.

³ Glorious things are said of you,
     city of God:^[a](c)
4 "I will record Rahab^[b](d) and Babylon
     among those who acknowledge me—
Philistia^(e) too, and Tyre^(f), along with Cush^[c]—
     and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.'"^[d](g)
5 Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
     "This one and that one were born in her,
     and the Most High himself will establish her."
⁶ The Lord will write in the register^(h) of the peoples:
     "This one was born in Zion."

⁷ As they make music⁽ⁱ⁾ they will sing,
     "All my fountains^(j) are in you."

³ I am overwhelmed with troubles^(c)
     and my life draws near to death.^(d)
4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit;^(e)
     I am like one without strength.^(f)
5 I am set apart with the dead,
     like the slain who lie in the grave,
whom you remember no more,
     who are cut off^(g) from your care.

⁶ You have put me in the lowest pit,
     in the darkest depths.^(h)
7 Your wrath⁽ⁱ⁾ lies heavily on me;
     you have overwhelmed me with all your waves.^[d](j)
8 You have taken from me my closest friends^(k)
     and have made me repulsive to them.
I am confined^(l) and cannot escape;^(m)
9       my eyes⁽ⁿ⁾ are dim with grief.

I call^(o) to you, Lord , every day;
     I spread out my hands^(p) to you.
¹⁰ Do you show your wonders to the dead?
     Do their spirits rise up and praise you?^(q)
11 Is your love declared in the grave,
     your faithfulness^(r) in Destruction^[e]?
¹² Are your wonders known in the place of darkness,
     or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion?

¹³ But I cry to you for help,^(s) Lord ;
     in the morning^(t) my prayer comes before you.^(u)
14 Why, Lord , do you reject^(v) me
     and hide your face^(w) from me?

¹⁵ From my youth^(x) I have suffered^(y) and been close to death;
     I have borne your terrors^(z) and am in despair.^(aa)
16 Your wrath^(ab) has swept over me;
     your terrors^(ac) have destroyed me.
¹⁷ All day long they surround me like a flood;^(ad)
     they have completely engulfed me.
¹⁸ You have taken from me friend^(ae) and neighbor—
     darkness is my closest friend.

⁵ The heavens^(e) praise your wonders, Lord ,
     your faithfulness too, in the assembly^(f) of the holy ones.
⁶ For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord ?
     Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?^(g)
7 In the council^(h) of the holy ones⁽ⁱ⁾ God is greatly feared;
     he is more awesome than all who surround him.^(j)
8 Who is like you,^(k) Lord God Almighty?^(l)
     You, Lord , are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

⁹ You rule over the surging sea;
     when its waves mount up, you still them.^(m)
10 You crushed Rahab⁽ⁿ⁾ like one of the slain;
     with your strong arm you scattered^(o) your enemies.
¹¹ The heavens are yours,^(p) and yours also the earth;^(q)
     you founded the world and all that is in it.^(r)
12 You created the north and the south;
     Tabor^(s) and Hermon^(t) sing for joy^(u) at your name.
¹³ Your arm is endowed with power;
     your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.^(v)

¹⁴ Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;^(w)
     love and faithfulness go before you.^(x)
15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
     who walk^(y) in the light^(z) of your presence, Lord .
¹⁶ They rejoice in your name^(aa) all day long;
     they celebrate your righteousness.
¹⁷ For you are their glory and strength,^(ab)
     and by your favor you exalt our horn.^[d](ac)
18 Indeed, our shield^[e](ad) belongs to the Lord ,
     our king^(ae) to the Holy One of Israel.

¹⁹ Once you spoke in a vision,
     to your faithful people you said:
"I have bestowed strength on a warrior;
     I have raised up a young man from among the people.
²⁰ I have found David^(af) my servant;^(ag)
     with my sacred oil^(ah) I have anointed^(ai) him.
²¹ My hand will sustain him;
     surely my arm will strengthen him.^(aj)
22 The enemy will not get the better of him;^(ak)
     the wicked will not oppress^(al) him.
²³ I will crush his foes before him^(am)
     and strike down his adversaries.^(an)
24 My faithful love will be with him,^(ao)
     and through my name his horn^[f] will be exalted.
²⁵ I will set his hand over the sea,
     his right hand over the rivers.^(ap)
26 He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father,^(aq)
     my God, the Rock^(ar) my Savior.'^(as)
27 And I will appoint him to be my firstborn,^(at)
     the most exalted^(au) of the kings^(av) of the earth.
²⁸ I will maintain my love to him forever,
     and my covenant with him will never fail.^(aw)
29 I will establish his line forever,
     his throne as long as the heavens endure.^(ax)

³⁰ "If his sons forsake my law
     and do not follow my statutes,
³¹ if they violate my decrees
     and fail to keep my commands,
³² I will punish their sin with the rod,
     their iniquity with flogging;^(ay)
33 but I will not take my love from him,^(az)
     nor will I ever betray my faithfulness.
³⁴ I will not violate my covenant
     or alter what my lips have uttered.^(ba)
35 Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness—
     and I will not lie to David—
³⁶ that his line will continue forever
     and his throne endure before me like the sun;^(bb)
37 it will be established forever like the moon,
     the faithful witness in the sky."^(bc)

³⁸ But you have rejected,^(bd) you have spurned,
     you have been very angry with your anointed one.
³⁹ You have renounced the covenant with your servant
     and have defiled his crown in the dust.^(be)
40 You have broken through all his walls^(bf)
     and reduced his strongholds^(bg) to ruins.
⁴¹ All who pass by have plundered^(bh) him;
     he has become the scorn of his neighbors.^(bi)
42 You have exalted the right hand of his foes;
     you have made all his enemies rejoice.^(bj)
43 Indeed, you have turned back the edge of his sword
     and have not supported him in battle.^(bk)
44 You have put an end to his splendor
     and cast his throne to the ground.
⁴⁵ You have cut short^(bl) the days of his youth;
     you have covered him with a mantle of shame.^(bm)

⁴⁶ How long, Lord ? Will you hide yourself forever?
     How long will your wrath burn like fire?^(bn)
47 Remember how fleeting is my life.^(bo)
     For what futility you have created all humanity!
⁴⁸ Who can live and not see death,
     or who can escape the power of the grave?^(bp)
49 Lord, where is your former great love,
     which in your faithfulness you swore to David?
⁵⁰ Remember, Lord, how your servant has^[g] been mocked,^(bq)
     how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the nations,
⁵¹ the taunts with which your enemies, Lord , have mocked,
     with which they have mocked every step of your anointed one.^(br)

³ You turn people back to dust,
     saying, "Return to dust, you mortals."^(e)
4 A thousand years in your sight
     are like a day that has just gone by,
     or like a watch in the night.^(f)
5 Yet you sweep people away^(g) in the sleep of death—
     they are like the new grass of the morning:
⁶ In the morning it springs up new,
     but by evening it is dry and withered.^(h)

⁷ We are consumed by your anger
     and terrified by your indignation.
⁸ You have set our iniquities before you,
     our secret sins⁽ⁱ⁾ in the light of your presence.^(j)
9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
     we finish our years with a moan.^(k)
10 Our days may come to seventy years,^(l)
     or eighty,^(m) if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,⁽ⁿ⁾
     for they quickly pass, and we fly away.^(o)
11 If only we knew the power of your anger!
     Your wrath^(p) is as great as the fear that is your due.^(q)
12 Teach us to number our days,^(r)
     that we may gain a heart of wisdom.^(s)

¹³ Relent, Lord ! How long^(t) will it be?
     Have compassion on your servants.^(u)
14 Satisfy^(v) us in the morning with your unfailing love,^(w)
     that we may sing for joy^(x) and be glad all our days.^(y)
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
     for as many years as we have seen trouble.
¹⁶ May your deeds be shown to your servants,
     your splendor to their children.^(z)

¹⁷ May the favor^[a] of the Lord our God rest on us;
     establish the work of our hands for us—
     yes, establish the work of our hands.^(aa)

³ Surely he will save you
     from the fowler's snare^(e)
     and from the deadly pestilence.^(f)
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
     and under his wings you will find refuge;^(g)
     his faithfulness will be your shield^(h) and rampart.
⁵ You will not fear⁽ⁱ⁾ the terror of night,
     nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
     nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
     ten thousand at your right hand,
     but it will not come near you.
⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
     and see the punishment of the wicked.^(j)

⁹ If you say, "The Lord is my refuge,"
     and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰ no harm^(k) will overtake you,
     no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹ For he will command his angels^(l) concerning you
     to guard you in all your ways;^(m)
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
     so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.^(n)
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
     you will trample the great lion and the serpent.^(o)

¹⁴ "Because he^[b] loves me," says the Lord , "I will rescue him;
     I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵ He will call on me, and I will answer him;
     I will be with him in trouble,
     I will deliver him and honor him.^(p)
16 With long life^(q) I will satisfy him
     and show him my salvation.^(r)"

⁴ For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord ;
     I sing for joy^(g) at what your hands have done.^(h)
5 How great are your works,⁽ⁱ⁾ Lord ,
     how profound your thoughts!^(j)
6 Senseless people^(k) do not know,
     fools do not understand,
⁷ that though the wicked spring up like grass
     and all evildoers flourish,
     they will be destroyed forever.^(l)

⁸ But you, Lord , are forever exalted.

⁹ For surely your enemies^(m), Lord ,
     surely your enemies will perish;
     all evildoers will be scattered.^(n)
10 You have exalted my horn^[b](o) like that of a wild ox;^(p)
     fine oils^(q) have been poured on me.
¹¹ My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries;
     my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.^(r)

¹² The righteous will flourish^(s) like a palm tree,
     they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;^(t)
13 planted in the house of the Lord ,
     they will flourish in the courts of our God.^(u)
14 They will still bear fruit^(v) in old age,
     they will stay fresh and green,
¹⁵ proclaiming, "The Lord is upright;
     he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.^(w)"

³ The seas^(h) have lifted up, Lord ,
     the seas have lifted up their voice;⁽ⁱ⁾
     the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.^(j)
4 Mightier than the thunder^(k) of the great waters,
     mightier than the breakers^(l) of the sea—
     the Lord on high is mighty.^(m)