I chose the way for them and sat as their chief; I lived like a king among his troops; I was like one who comforts mourners.

He entreats God, and God delights in him, he sees God’s face with rejoicing, and God restores to him his righteousness.

“Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, from the Almighty to do evil.

And surely, he drew you from the mouth of distress, to a wide place, unrestricted, and to the comfort of your table filled with rich food.

He is secure at all times. He has no regard for your commands; he disdains all his enemies.

For the music director; by David. In the Lord I have taken shelter. How can you say to me, “Flee to a mountain like a bird!

For look, the wicked prepare their bows, they put their arrows on the strings, to shoot in the darkness at the morally upright.

Pay them back for their evil deeds! Pay them back for what they do! Punish them!

For they do not understand the Lord’s actions, or the way he carries out justice. The Lord will permanently demolish them.

Let destruction take them by surprise! Let the net they hid catch them! Let them fall into destruction!

“O Lord, help me understand my mortality and the brevity of life! Let me realize how quickly my life will pass!

You love justice and hate evil. For this reason God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy, elevating you above your companions.

Whoever presents a thank-offering honors me. To whoever obeys my commands, I will reveal my power to deliver.”

In God – I boast in his promise – in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?

Do not strike them dead suddenly, because then my people might forget the lesson. Use your power to make them homeless vagabonds and then bring them down, O Lord who shields us!

May he live! May they offer him gold from Sheba! May they continually pray for him! May they pronounce blessings on him all day long!

But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done.

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?

He established a rule in Jacob; he set up a law in Israel. He commanded our ancestors to make his deeds known to their descendants,

I am the Lord, your God, the one who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide and I will fill it!’