You men, how long will you try to turn my honor into shame? How long will you love what is worthless and search for what is deceptive? (Selah)

The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; his eyes examine all people.

The Lord looks down from heaven at the human race, to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

When they hear of my exploits, they submit to me. Foreigners are powerless before me;

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

Come and witness God’s exploits! His acts on behalf of people are awesome!

Listen to the painful cries of the prisoners! Use your great strength to set free those condemned to die!

Take note of my brief lifespan! Why do you make all people so mortal?

Reach down from above! Grab me and rescue me from the surging water, from the power of foreigners,

Grab me and rescue me from the power of foreigners, who speak lies, and make false promises.

Death and Destruction are before the Lord – how much more the hearts of humans!

Eat honey, my child, for it is good, and honey from the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.

Fear the Lord, my child, as well as the king, and do not associate with rebels,

The eye that mocks at a father and despises obeying a mother – the ravens of the valley will peck it out and the young vultures will eat it.

lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and remove from all the poor their legal rights.

Just a handful of archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be left.” Indeed, the Lord God of Israel has spoken.

I will say to the north, ‘Hand them over!’ and to the south, ‘Don’t hold any back!’ Bring my sons from distant lands, and my daughters from the remote regions of the earth,

Yet the children born during your time of bereavement will say within your hearing, ‘This place is too cramped for us, make room for us so we can live here.’

Foreigners will rebuild your walls; their kings will serve you. Even though I struck you down in my anger, I will restore my favor and have compassion on you.

“So, once more I will state my case against you,” says the Lord. “I will also state it against your children and grandchildren.