Psalms 31:1

Psalm 31

For the music director; a psalm of David.

31:1 In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter!

Never let me be humiliated!

Vindicate me by rescuing me!

Psalms 12:1--14:7

Psalm 12

For the music director; according to the sheminith style; a psalm of David.

12:1 Deliver, Lord!

For the godly have disappeared;

people of integrity have vanished.

12:2 People lie to one another;

they flatter and deceive.

12:3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,

and the tongue that boasts!

12:4 They say, “We speak persuasively;

we know how to flatter and boast.

Who is our master?”

12:5 “Because of the violence done to the oppressed,

because of the painful cries of the needy,

I will spring into action,” says the Lord.

“I will provide the safety they so desperately desire.”

12:6 The Lord’s words are absolutely reliable.

They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground,

where it is thoroughly refined.

12:7 You, Lord, will protect them;

you will continually shelter each one from these evil people,

12:8 for the wicked seem to be everywhere,

when people promote evil.

Psalm 13

For the music director; a psalm of David.

13:1 How long, Lord, will you continue to ignore me?

How long will you pay no attention to me?

13:2 How long must I worry,

and suffer in broad daylight?

How long will my enemy gloat over me?

13:3 Look at me! Answer me, O Lord my God!

Revive me, or else I will die!

13:4 Then my enemy will say, “I have defeated him!”

Then my foes will rejoice because I am upended.

13:5 But I trust in your faithfulness.

May I rejoice because of your deliverance!

13:6 I will sing praises to the Lord

when he vindicates me.

Psalm 14

For the music director; by David.

14:1 Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.”

They sin and commit evil deeds;

none of them does what is right.

14:2 The Lord looks down from heaven at the human race,

to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

14:3 Everyone rejects God;

they are all morally corrupt.

None of them does what is right,

not even one!

14:4 All those who behave wickedly do not understand –

those who devour my people as if they were eating bread,

and do not call out to the Lord.

14:5 They are absolutely terrified,

for God defends the godly.

14:6 You want to humiliate the oppressed,

even though the Lord is their shelter.

14:7 I wish the deliverance of Israel would come from Zion!

When the Lord restores the well-being of his people,

may Jacob rejoice,

may Israel be happy!