O Lord, I have built a lofty temple for you, a place where you can live permanently.”

They settled down in it and built in it a temple to honor you, saying,

Will they not instruct you and speak to you, and bring forth words from their understanding?

“Do you have eyes of flesh, or do you see as a human being sees?

Or speak to the earth and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea declare to you.

Whatever you decide on a matter, it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.

But you say, ‘What will it profit you,’ and, ‘What do I gain by not sinning?’

Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of deepest darkness?

Do you have an arm as powerful as God’s, and can you thunder with a voice like his?

Then I myself will acknowledge to you that your own right hand can save you.

May he grant your heart’s desire; may he bring all your plans to pass!

May we experience your faithfulness, O Lord, for we wait for you.

Then you will take delight in the Lord, and he will answer your prayers.

But now, O Lord, upon what am I relying? You are my only hope!

I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God; I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,

as you come out of your temple in Jerusalem! Kings bring tribute to you.

My lips will shout for joy! Yes, I will sing your praises! I will praise you when you rescue me!

For he will order his angels to protect you in all you do.

A psalm of David. I will sing about loyalty and justice! To you, O Lord, I will sing praises!

saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion of your inheritance.”