Your wickedness affects only a person like yourself, and your righteousness only other people.

Then they cry out – but he does not answer – because of the arrogance of the wicked.

He does not take his eyes off the righteous; but with kings on the throne he seats the righteous and exalts them forever.

If they obey and serve him, they live out their days in prosperity and their years in pleasantness.

But if they refuse to listen, they pass over the river of death, and expire without knowledge.

The godless at heart nourish anger, they do not cry out even when he binds them.

Who has prescribed his ways for him? Or said to him, ‘You have done what is wicked’?

He causes everyone to stop working, so that all people may know his work.

Should he be informed that I want to speak? If a man speaks, surely he would be swallowed up!

Do you know the laws of the heavens, or can you set up their rule over the earth?

Would you indeed annul my justice? Would you declare me guilty so that you might be right?

Then I myself will acknowledge to you that your own right hand can save you.

(41:1) See, his expectation is wrong, he is laid low even at the sight of it.

It looks on every haughty being; it is king over all that are proud.”

Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night.

Not so with the wicked! Instead they are like wind-driven chaff.

Your loyal followers trust in you, for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help.

You will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful follower to see the Pit.

A psalm of David. Acknowledge the Lord, you heavenly beings, acknowledge the Lord’s majesty and power!

May lying lips be silenced – lips that speak defiantly against the innocent with arrogance and contempt!