and the slope of the valleys that extends to the dwelling of Ar, and falls off at the border of Moab.”

They are like valleys stretched forth, like gardens by the river’s side, like aloes that the Lord has planted, and like cedar trees beside the waters.

They are your people, your valued property, whom you brought out with great strength and power.

You must not pervert justice due a resident foreigner or an orphan, or take a widow’s garment as security for a loan.

Therefore the Lord brought us out of Egypt with tremendous strength and power, as well as with great awe-inspiring signs and wonders.

‘Cursed is the one who perverts justice for the resident foreigner, the orphan, and the widow.’ Then all the people will say, ‘Amen!’

David constructed buildings in the City of David; he then prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it.

He will not grow rich, and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land.

He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth on nothing.

If my footsteps have strayed from the way, if my heart has gone after my eyes, or if anything has defiled my hands,

Be careful that no one entices you with riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside.

Who set its measurements – if you know – or who stretched a measuring line across it?

I call to you for you will answer me, O God. Listen to me! Hear what I say!

Yes, they intend to do you harm; they dream up a scheme, but they do not succeed.

For the music director; By David, a psalm. I relied completely on the Lord, and he turned toward me and heard my cry for help.

We have not been unfaithful, nor have we disobeyed your commands.

Listen, O princess! Observe and pay attention! Forget your homeland and your family!

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

A well-written song by Asaph. Pay attention, my people, to my instruction! Listen to the words I speak!

A prayer of David. Listen O Lord! Answer me! For I am oppressed and needy.