A song of ascents, by Solomon. If the Lord does not build a house, then those who build it work in vain. If the Lord does not guard a city, then the watchman stands guard in vain.

Certainly you are not a God who approves of evil; evil people cannot dwell with you.

Certainly you reward the godly, Lord. Like a shield you protect them in your good favor.

I will sing a song that imparts wisdom; I will make insightful observations about the past.

The watery deep covered it like a garment; the waters reached above the mountains.

When Israel left Egypt, when the family of Jacob left a foreign nation behind,

The wicked lay a trap for me, but I do not wander from your precepts.

It is as if I have been given fertile fields or received a beautiful tract of land.

Your tongue carries out your destructive plans; it is as effective as a sharp razor, O deceiver.

I have seen ruthless evil men growing in influence, like a green tree grows in its native soil.

Indeed, who is God besides the Lord? Who is a protector besides our God?

I am like a man who cannot hear and is incapable of arguing his defense.

Your throne, O God, is permanent. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.

Certainly a man cannot rescue his brother; he cannot pay God an adequate ransom price

Our God is a God who delivers; the Lord, the sovereign Lord, can rescue from death.

That will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hooves.

For my days go up in smoke, and my bones are charred like a fireplace.

I am a friend to all your loyal followers, and to those who keep your precepts.

May they praise God while they hold a two-edged sword in their hand,

When they were few in number, just a very few, and resident aliens within it,