Book 1
(Psalms 1-41)
1:1 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!
1:2 Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands;
he meditates on his commands day and night.
1:3 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.
1:4 Not so with the wicked!
Instead they are like wind-driven chaff.
1:5 For this reason the wicked cannot withstand judgment,
nor can sinners join the assembly of the godly.
1:6 Certainly the Lord guards the way of the godly,
but the way of the wicked ends in destruction.
2:1 Why do the nations rebel?
Why are the countries devising plots that will fail?
2:2 The kings of the earth form a united front;
the rulers collaborate
against the Lord and his anointed king.
2:3 They say, “Let’s tear off the shackles they’ve put on us!
Let’s free ourselves from their ropes!”
2:4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust;
the Lord taunts them.
2:5 Then he angrily speaks to them
and terrifies them in his rage, saying,
2:6 “I myself have installed my king
on Zion, my holy hill.”
2:7 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!
2:8 Ask me,
and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
the ends of the earth as your personal property.
2:9 You will break them with an iron scepter;
you will smash them like a potter’s jar!’”
2:10 So now, you kings, do what is wise;
you rulers of the earth, submit to correction!
2:11 Serve the Lord in fear!
Repent in terror!
2:12 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!
A psalm of David, written when he fled from his son Absalom.
3:1 Lord, how numerous are my enemies!
Many attack me.
3:2 Many say about me,
“God will not deliver him.” (Selah)
3:3 But you, Lord, are a shield that protects me;
you are my glory and the one who restores me.
3:4 To the Lord I cried out,
and he answered me from his holy hill. (Selah)
3:5 I rested and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord protects me.
3:6 I am not afraid of the multitude of people
who attack me from all directions.
3:7 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.
3:8 The Lord delivers;
you show favor to your people. (Selah)
For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a psalm of David.
4:1 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!
4:2 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)
4:3 Realize that the Lord shows the godly special favor;
the Lord responds when I cry out to him.
4:4 Tremble with fear and do not sin!
Meditate as you lie in bed, and repent of your ways! (Selah)
4:5 Offer the prescribed sacrifices
and trust in the Lord!
4:6 Many say, “Who can show us anything good?”
Smile upon us, Lord!
4:7 You make me happier
than those who have abundant grain and wine.
4:8 I will lie down and sleep peacefully,
for you, Lord, make me safe and secure.