Study Desk

For the choir director: on Mahalath.^[a](a) A Davidic Maskil.

The fool says in his heart, "God does not exist." They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good.^(b)

God looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God.^(c)

All have turned away; all alike have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one.^(d)

Will evildoers never understand? They consume My people as they consume bread;^(e) they do not call on God.^(f)

Then they will be filled with terror— terror like no other^(g)— because God will scatter the bones of those who besiege you.^(h) You will put them to shame, for God has rejected them.⁽ⁱ⁾

Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come from Zion! When God restores the fortunes of His people,^[b] Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.^(j)

For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Davidic Maskil.

God, listen to my prayer and do not ignore^[a] my plea for help.^(a)

Pay attention to me and answer me.^(b) I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint,^(c)

because of the enemy's voice, because of the pressure^[b] of the wicked. For they bring down disaster on me^[c] and harass me in anger.^(d)

My heart shudders within me;^(e) terrors of death sweep over me.

Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me.^(f)

I said, "If only I had^[d] wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.^(g)

How far away I would flee; I would stay in the wilderness.^(h) Selah

I would hurry to my shelter from the raging wind and the storm."⁽ⁱ⁾

Lord, confuse^[e] and confound their speech,^[f](j) for I see violence and strife in the city;

day and night they make the rounds on its walls. Crime and trouble are within it;^(k)

destruction is inside it; oppression and deceit never leave its marketplace.^(l)

Now it is not an enemy who insults me— otherwise I could bear it; it is not a foe who rises up against me— otherwise I could hide from him.

But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend!^(m)

We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.⁽ⁿ⁾

Let death take them by surprise;^(o) let them go down to Sheol alive, because evil is in their homes and within them.^(p)

But I call to God, and the Lord will save me.^(q)

I complain and groan morning, noon, and night,^(r) and He hears my voice.^(s)

Though many are against me, He will redeem me from my battle unharmed.^(t)

God, the One enthroned from long ago,^(u) will hear and will humiliate them Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.^(v)

My friend^(w) acts violently against those at peace with him;^(x) he violates his covenant.^(y)

His buttery words are smooth,^[g] but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords.^(z)

Cast your burden on the Lord , and He will sustain you;^(aa) He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.^(ab)

God, You will bring them down to the Pit of destruction;^(ac) men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days.^(ad) But I will trust in You.^(ae)

For the choir director: "Do Not Destroy."^[a] A Davidic Miktam.

Do you really speak righteously, you mighty ones?^[b] Do you judge people fairly?^(a)

No, you practice injustice in your hearts; with your hands you weigh out violence in the land.^(b)

The wicked go astray from the womb; liars err from birth.^(c)

They have venom like the venom of a snake, like the deaf cobra that stops up its ears,^(d)

that does not listen to the sound of the charmers who skillfully weave spells.^(e)

God, knock the teeth out of their mouths; Lord , tear out the young lions' fangs.^(f)

They will vanish like water that flows by; they will aim their useless arrows.^[c][d](g)

Like a slug that moves along in slime, like a woman's miscarried child, they will not see the sun.^(h)

Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns— whether green or burning— He will sweep them away.^[e](i)

The righteous one will rejoice when he sees the retribution;^(j) he will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.^(k)

Then people will say, "Yes, there is a reward for the righteous! There is a God who judges on earth!"^(l)