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.

Psalm 2

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

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.

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.

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.

You men, how long will you try to turn my honor into shame? How long will you love what is worthless and search for what is deceptive? (Selah)

Realize that the Lord shows the godly special favor; the Lord responds when I cry out to him.

Tremble with fear and do not sin. Meditate as you lie in bed, and repent of your ways. (Selah)

Many say, “Who can show us anything good?” Smile upon us, Lord!

You make me happier than those who have abundant grain and wine.

I will lie down and sleep peacefully, for you, Lord, make me safe and secure.

Lord, in the morning you will hear me; in the morning I will present my case to you and then wait expectantly for an answer.

Certainly you are not a God who approves of evil; evil people cannot dwell with you.