Study Desk

How happy is the man who does not follow^[a] the advice of the wicked or take^[b] the path of sinners or join a group^[c] of mockers!^(a)

Instead, his delight is in the Lord 's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.^(b)

He is like a tree planted beside streams of water^[d] that bears its fruit in season^[e](c) and whose leaf does not wither.^(d) Whatever he does prospers.^(e)

The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away.^(f)

Therefore the wicked will not survive^[f] the judgment,^(g) and sinners will not be in the community of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,^(h) but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.⁽ⁱ⁾

Why^(a) do the nations rebel^[a](b) and the peoples plot in vain?^(c)

The kings of the earth take their stand,^(d) and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and His Anointed One:^[b](e)

"Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves from their restraints."^[c](f)

The One enthroned^[d] in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them.^(g)

Then He speaks to them in His anger and terrifies them in His wrath:^(h)

"I have consecrated My King^[e] on Zion, My holy mountain."⁽ⁱ⁾

I will declare the Lord 's decree: He said to Me, "You are My Son;^[f] today I have become Your^[g] Father.^(j)

Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your^[h] inheritance and the ends of the earth Your^[i] possession.^(k)

You will break^[j] them with a rod of iron; You^[k] will shatter them like pottery."^[l](l)

So now, kings, be wise; receive instruction, you judges of the earth.

Serve the Lord with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling.^(m)

Pay homage to^[m] the Son or He^[n] will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion,^[o](n) for His^[p] anger may ignite at any moment.^(o) All those who take refuge in Him^[q] are happy.^(p)

A psalm of David when he fled from his son Absalom.^(a)

Lord , how my foes increase! There are many who attack me.^(b)

Many say about me, "There is no help for him in God."^(c) Selah

But You, Lord , are a shield around me,^(d) my glory,^(e) and the One who lifts up my head.^(f)

I cry aloud to the Lord , and He answers me from His holy mountain.^(g) Selah

I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me.^(h)

I am not afraid of the thousands of people who have taken their stand against me on every side.⁽ⁱ⁾

Rise up, Lord !^(j) Save me, my God! You strike all my enemies on the cheek;^(k) You break the teeth of the wicked.^(l)

Salvation belongs to the Lord ;^(m) may Your blessing be on Your people.⁽ⁿ⁾ Selah

For the choir director: with stringed instruments.^(a) A Davidic psalm.

Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me.^[a](b) You freed me from affliction;^(c) be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted?^(d) How long will you love what is worthless^(e) and pursue a lie? Selah

Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.

Be angry^[b] and do not sin;^(f) on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still.^(g) Selah

Offer sacrifices in righteousness^[c](h) and trust in the Lord .⁽ⁱ⁾

Many are saying, "Who can show us anything good?" Look on us with favor, Lord .^(j)

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound.^(k)

I will both lie down and sleep in peace,^(l) for You alone, Lord , make me live in safety.^(m)

For the choir director: with the flutes. A Davidic psalm.

Listen to my words, Lord ; consider my sighing.^(a)

Pay attention to the sound of my cry,^(b) my King and my God,^(c) for I pray to You.

At daybreak,^(d) Lord , You hear my voice; at daybreak I plead my case to You^(e) and watch expectantly.

For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil cannot dwell with You.^(f)

The boastful cannot stand in Your presence;^(g) You hate all evildoers.^(h)

You destroy those who tell lies;⁽ⁱ⁾ the Lord abhors a man of bloodshed and treachery.^(j)

But I enter Your house by the abundance of Your faithful love;^(k) I bow down toward Your holy temple in reverential awe of You.^(l)