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?

A song of ascents, by Solomon. If the Lord does not build a house, then those who build it work in vain. If the Lord does not guard a city, then the watchman stands guard in vain.

The one whose deeds are blameless and whose motives are pure, who does not lie, or make promises with no intention of keeping them.

He despises a reprobate, but honors the Lord’s loyal followers. He makes firm commitments and does not renege on his promise.

How blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord and does not seek help from the proud or from liars!

How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers!

The words he speaks are sinful and deceitful; he does not care about doing what is wise and right.

But the Lord does not surrender the godly, or allow them to be condemned in a court of law.

The heavens belong to you, as does the earth. You made the world and all it contains.

Certainly my tongue does not frame a word without you, O Lord, being thoroughly aware of it.

For the music director; according to the machalath style; a well-written song by David. Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.” They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right.

They cry out, but there is no one to help them; they cry out to the Lord, but he does not answer them.

For the music director; written by the Lord’s servant, David; an oracle. An evil man is rebellious to the core. He does not fear God,

For the music director; according to the tune “Morning Doe;” a psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? I groan in prayer, but help seems far away.

to the one who performs magnificent, amazing deeds all by himself, for his loyal love endures,

The Lord God, the God of Israel, deserves praise! He alone accomplishes amazing things!

For the one who takes revenge against murderers took notice of the oppressed; he did not overlook their cry for help

They celebrate deliverance in the tents of the godly. The Lord’s right hand conquers,

the Lord’s right hand gives victory, the Lord’s right hand conquers.

I am like a man who cannot hear and is incapable of arguing his defense.