Book 1 (Psalms 1-41)

Psalm 1

How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers.

Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night.

He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts.

For this reason the wicked cannot withstand judgment, nor can sinners join the assembly of the godly.

Certainly the Lord guards the way of the godly, but the way of the wicked ends in destruction.

Psalm 2

Why do the nations rebel? Why are the countries devising plots that will fail?

The kings of the earth form a united front; the rulers collaborate against the Lord and his anointed king.

They say, “Let’s tear off the shackles they’ve put on us. Let’s free ourselves from their ropes.”

The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust; the Lord taunts them.

“I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy hill.”

The king says, “I will announce the Lord’s decree. He said to me: ‘You are my son. This very day I have become your father.

Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your personal property.

You will break them with an iron scepter; you will smash them like a potter’s jar.’”

So now, you kings, do what is wise; you rulers of the earth, submit to correction.

Serve the Lord in fear. Repent in terror.

Give sincere homage. Otherwise he will be angry, and you will die because of your behavior, when his anger quickly ignites. How blessed are all who take shelter in him!

Psalm 3

A psalm of David, written when he fled from his son Absalom.

Lord, how numerous are my enemies! Many attack me.

Many say about me, “God will not deliver him.” (Selah)

But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me; you are my glory and the one who restores me.

To the Lord I cried out, and he answered me from his holy hill. (Selah)

I rested and slept; I awoke, for the Lord protects me.

I am not afraid of the multitude of people who attack me from all directions.

Rise up, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Yes, you will strike all my enemies on the jaw; you will break the teeth of the wicked.

The Lord delivers; you show favor to your people. (Selah)

Psalm 4

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a psalm of David.

When I call out, answer me, O God who vindicates me. Though I am hemmed in, you will lead me into a wide, open place. Have mercy on me and respond to my prayer.