A song of ascents. O Lord, for David’s sake remember all his strenuous effort,

Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape.

who speak lies, and make false promises.

The Lord lifts up the oppressed, but knocks the wicked to the ground.

Bind them on your heart continually; fasten them around your neck.

Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways – do not wander into her pathways;

At the top of the elevated places along the way, at the intersection of the paths she takes her stand;

Receive my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.

Riches and honor are with me, long-lasting wealth and righteousness.

The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy.

With pride comes only contention, but wisdom is with the well-advised.

Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with abundant advisers they are established.

Those who linger over wine, those who go looking for mixed wine.

“Many daughters have done valiantly, but you surpass them all!”

What benefit do people get from all the effort which they expend on earth?

“Of what importance to me are your many sacrifices?” says the Lord. “I am stuffed with burnt sacrifices of rams and the fat from steers. The blood of bulls, lambs, and goats I do not want.

Zion will be freed by justice, and her returnees by righteousness.

many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the Lord’s mountain, to the temple of the God of Jacob, so he can teach us his requirements, and we can follow his standards.” For Zion will be the center for moral instruction; the Lord will issue edicts from Jerusalem.

The Lord takes his position to judge; he stands up to pass sentence on his people.

So the sovereign master was not pleased with their young men, he took no pity on their orphans and widows; for the whole nation was godless and did wicked things, every mouth was speaking disgraceful words. Despite all this, his anger does not subside, and his hand is ready to strike again.