Teach me how you want me to live; lead me along a level path because of those who wait to ambush me!

For the music director; a well-written song by the Korahites. As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God!

God has spoken in his sanctuary: “I will triumph! I will parcel out Shechem; the Valley of Succoth I will measure off.

They say, “Come on, let’s annihilate them so they are no longer a nation! Then the name of Israel will be remembered no more.”

You keep track of my misery. Put my tears in your leather container! Are they not recorded in your scroll?

If the Lord had not helped me, I would have laid down in the silence of death.

Yet he protected the needy from oppression, and cared for his families like a flock of sheep.

I have asked the Lord for one thing – this is what I desire! I want to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, so I can gaze at the splendor of the Lord and contemplate in his temple.

Do not hold against me the sins of my youth or my rebellious acts! Because you are faithful to me, extend to me your favor, O Lord!

A well-written song by Asaph. Why, O God, have you permanently rejected us? Why does your anger burn against the sheep of your pasture?

Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our very eyes may the shed blood of your servants be avenged among the nations!

For the music director; according to the tune of “Lilies;” by the Korahites, a well-written poem, a love song. My heart is stirred by a beautiful song. I say, “I have composed this special song for the king; my tongue is as skilled as the stylus of an experienced scribe.”

Who can know all his errors? Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of.

Lord, lead me in your righteousness because of those who wait to ambush me, remove the obstacles in the way in which you are guiding me!

Break the arm of the wicked and evil man! Hold him accountable for his wicked deeds, which he thought you would not discover.

You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies. You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full.

All your garments are perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cassia. From the luxurious palaces comes the music of stringed instruments that makes you happy.

For this reason we do not fear when the earth shakes, and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,

The godly will rejoice when they see vengeance carried out; they will bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked.

How long will you threaten a man? All of you are murderers, as dangerous as a leaning wall or an unstable fence.