Study Desk

BOOK I

Psalms 1–41

Blessed is the one^(a) who does not walk^(b) in step with the wicked^(c) or stand in the way^(d) that sinners take^(e) or sit^(f) in the company of mockers,^(g)

but whose delight^(h) is in the law of the Lord ,⁽ⁱ⁾ and who meditates^(j) on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree^(k) planted by streams^(l) of water,^(m) which yields its fruit⁽ⁿ⁾ in season and whose leaf^(o) does not wither— whatever they do prospers.^(p)

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff^(q) that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand^(r) in the judgment,^(s) nor sinners in the assembly^(t) of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over^(u) the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.^(v)

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

The kings^(b) of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed,^(c) saying,

"Let us break their chains^(d) and throw off their shackles."^(e)

The One enthroned^(f) in heaven laughs;^(g) the Lord scoffs at them.

He rebukes them in his anger^(h) and terrifies them in his wrath,⁽ⁱ⁾ saying,

"I have installed my king^(j) on Zion,^(k) my holy mountain.^(l)"

I will proclaim the Lord 's decree: He said to me, "You are my son;^(m) today I have become your father.⁽ⁿ⁾

Ask me, and I will make the nations^(o) your inheritance,^(p) the ends of the earth^(q) your possession.

You will break them with a rod of iron^[b];^(r) you will dash them to pieces^(s) like pottery.^(t)"

Therefore, you kings, be wise;^(u) be warned, you rulers^(v) of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear^(w) and celebrate his rule^(x) with trembling.^(y)

Kiss his son,^(z) or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath^(aa) can flare up in a moment. Blessed^(ab) are all who take refuge^(ac) in him.

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

Lord , how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!

Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him.^(b)"^[b]

But you, Lord , are a shield^(c) around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.^(d)

I call out to the Lord ,^(e) and he answers me from his holy mountain.^(f)

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

I will not fear⁽ⁱ⁾ though tens of thousands assail me on every side.^(j)

Arise,^(k) Lord ! Deliver me,^(l) my God! Strike^(m) all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth⁽ⁿ⁾ of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.^(o) May your blessing^(p) be on your people.

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

Answer me^(a) when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress;^(b) have mercy^(c) on me and hear my prayer.^(d)

How long will you people turn my glory^(e) into shame?^(f) How long will you love delusions and seek false gods^[b]?^[c](g)

Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant^(h) for himself; the Lord hears⁽ⁱ⁾ when I call to him.

Tremble and^[d] do not sin;^(j) when you are on your beds,^(k) search your hearts and be silent.

Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord .^(l)

Many, Lord , are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?" Let the light of your face shine on us.^(m)

Fill my heart⁽ⁿ⁾ with joy^(o) when their grain and new wine^(p) abound.

In peace^(q) I will lie down and sleep,^(r) for you alone, Lord , make me dwell in safety.^(s)

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

Listen^(a) to my words, Lord , consider my lament.^(b)

Hear my cry for help,^(c) my King and my God,^(d) for to you I pray.

In the morning,^(e) Lord , you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.^(f)

For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people^(g) are not welcome.

The arrogant^(h) cannot stand⁽ⁱ⁾ in your presence. You hate^(j) all who do wrong;

you destroy those who tell lies.^(k) The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord , detest.

But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence^(l) I bow down^(m) toward your holy temple.⁽ⁿ⁾