-
BOOK I
Psalms 1–41
Psalm 1
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
-
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
-
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
-
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
-
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
-
The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
-
“Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
-
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
-
“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”
-
I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.
-
Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
-
You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
-
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
-
Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
-
Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
-
Psalm 3
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!
-
Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”
-
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
-
I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
-
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
-
I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
-
Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
-
From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.
-
Psalm 4
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
-
How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?