the blessing of the dying man descended on me, and I made the widow’s heart rejoice;

“If I have disregarded the right of my male servants or my female servants when they disputed with me,

If I have seen anyone about to perish for lack of clothing, or a poor man without a coat,

then his flesh is restored like a youth’s; he returns to the days of his youthful vigor.

For his eyes are on the ways of an individual, he observes all a person’s steps.

But now you are preoccupied with the judgment due the wicked, judgment and justice take hold of you.

Under the whole heaven he lets it go, even his lightning to the far corners of the earth.

It makes the deep boil like a cauldron and stirs up the sea like a pot of ointment,

For this reason the wicked cannot withstand judgment, nor can sinners join the assembly of the godly.

Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you pay no attention during times of trouble?

He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation.

Look, the Lord takes notice of his loyal followers, those who wait for him to demonstrate his faithfulness

Take note of the one who has integrity! Observe the godly! For the one who promotes peace has a future.

Your sons will carry on the dynasty of your ancestors; you will make them princes throughout the land.

You destroyed the sea by your strength; you shattered the heads of the sea monster in the water.

O God, invincible warrior, come back! Look down from heaven and take notice! Take care of this vine,

The Lord demonstrates his power to deliver; in the sight of the nations he reveals his justice.

A song of ascents, by David. “If the Lord had not been on our side” – let Israel say this! –

A song of ascents, by David. Look! How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together!

For the music director; a psalm of David. O Lord, rescue me from wicked men! Protect me from violent men,