Your wickedness affects only a person like yourself, and your righteousness only other people.

The king says, “I will announce the Lord’s decree. He said to me: ‘You are my son! This very day I have become your father!

You will break them with an iron scepter; you will smash them like a potter’s jar!’”

Pay attention to my cry for help, my king and my God, for I am praying to you!

You defend the fatherless and oppressed, so that mere mortals may no longer terrorize them.

May the Lord rain down burning coals and brimstone on the wicked! A whirlwind is what they deserve!

They are absolutely terrified, for God defends the godly.

Smoke ascended from his nose; fire devoured as it came from his mouth; he hurled down fiery coals.

He shrouded himself in darkness, in thick rain clouds.

You destroy their offspring from the earth, their descendants from among the human race.

You are the reason I offer praise in the great assembly; I will fulfill my promises before the Lord’s loyal followers.

Come children! Listen to me! I will teach you what it means to fear the Lord.

The godly cry out and the Lord hears; he saves them from all their troubles.

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he delivers those who are discouraged.

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

My heart beats quickly; my strength leaves me; I can hardly see.

I have told the great assembly about your justice. Look! I spare no words! O Lord, you know this is true.

God looks down from heaven at the human race, to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

No! You plan how to do what is unjust; you deal out violence in the earth.

For the music director; to be played on a stringed instrument; written by David. O God, hear my cry for help! Pay attention to my prayer!