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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,
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but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
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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.
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Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
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I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.
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Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
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You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
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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.
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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!
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Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”
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But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
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I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
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I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
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I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
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Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
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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.
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How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
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Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
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Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us.
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In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
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For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome.
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The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong;
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you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest.
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Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me.
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Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.
