Study Desk

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.

You shame the counsel of the poor, But the LORD is his refuge.

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD brings back the captivity of His people, Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.

He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;

He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;

In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

As a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.

In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears.

Smoke went up from His nostrils, And devouring fire from His mouth; Coals were kindled by it.

He bowed the heavens also, and came down With darkness under His feet.

He made darkness His secret place; His canopy around Him was dark waters And thick clouds of the skies.

From the brightness before Him, His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire.

The Lord thundered from heaven,And the Most High uttered His voice,Hailstones and coals of fire. [fn]

He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe, Lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.

For all His judgments were before me, And I did not put away His statutes from me.

Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

Great deliverance He gives to His king, And shows mercy to His anointed, To David and his descendants forevermore.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.