For the thing is very near you – it is in your mouth and in your mind so that you can do it.

He did what the Lord approved, but not with wholehearted devotion.

He is wise in heart and mighty in strength – who has resisted him and remained safe?

“But these things you have concealed in your heart; I know that this is with you:

Accept instruction from his mouth and store up his words in your heart.

I will maintain my righteousness and never let it go; my conscience will not reproach me for as long as I live.

Men of understanding say to me – any wise man listening to me says –

Whoever lives a blameless life, does what is right, and speaks honestly.

May he grant your heart’s desire; may he bring all your plans to pass!

Be strong and confident, all you who wait on the Lord!

The oppressed look on – let them rejoice! You who seek God, may you be encouraged!

A psalm by Asaph. Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure!

I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle.

How blessed are those who find their strength in you, and long to travel the roads that lead to your temple!

O Lord, my God, I will give you thanks with my whole heart! I will honor your name continually!

So teach us to consider our mortality, so that we might live wisely.

He says, “Do not be stubborn like they were at Meribah, like they were that day at Massah in the wilderness,

I will have nothing to do with a perverse person; I will not permit evil.

Examine me, and probe my thoughts! Test me, and know my concerns!

Do not lust in your heart for her beauty, and do not let her captivate you with her alluring eyes;