For the music director; according to the shushan-eduth style; a psalm of Asaph. O shepherd of Israel, pay attention, you who lead Joseph like a flock of sheep! You who sit enthroned above the winged angels, reveal your splendor!

I will listen to what God the Lord says. For he will make peace with his people, his faithful followers. Yet they must not return to their foolish ways.

Do not ignore me in my time of trouble! Listen to me! When I call out to you, quickly answer me!

I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your name, because of your loyal love and faithfulness, for you have exalted your promise above the entire sky.

Do not let me have evil desires, or participate in sinful activities with men who behave wickedly. I will not eat their delicacies.

May the godly strike me in love and correct me! May my head not refuse choice oil! Indeed, my prayer is a witness against their evil deeds.

Answer me quickly, Lord! My strength is fading. Do not reject me, or I will join those descending into the grave.

till an arrow pierces his liver – like a bird hurrying into a trap, and he does not know that it will cost him his life.

Remove falsehood and lies far from me; do not give me poverty or riches, feed me with my allotted portion of bread,

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in paying it. For God takes no pleasure in fools: Pay what you vow!

if he should live a thousand years twice, yet does not enjoy his prosperity. For both of them die!

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?” for it is not wise to ask that.

It is best to take hold of one warning without letting go of the other warning; for the one who fears God will follow both warnings.

Also, do not pay attention to everything that people say; otherwise, you might even hear your servant cursing you.

But whoever is among the living has hope; a live dog is better than a dead lion.

If the anger of the ruler flares up against you, do not resign from your position, for a calm response can undo great offenses.

before the silver cord is removed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the well, or the water wheel is broken at the cistern –

Do not stare at me because I am dark, for the sun has burned my skin. My brothers were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards. Alas, my own vineyard I could not keep!

Until the dawn arrives and the shadows flee, I will go up to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

Jerusalem certainly stumbles, Judah falls, for their words and their actions offend the Lord; they rebel against his royal authority.