Study Desk

May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful.

He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them.

He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him.

Long live the king! May the gold of Sheba be given to him. May the people always pray for him and bless him all day long.

But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.

For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.

These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!

Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?

Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.

But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Remember your covenant promises, for the land is full of darkness and violence!

For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph. A song to be sung to the tune "Do Not Destroy!" We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.

For no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness— should raise a defiant fist.

For the Lord holds a cup in his hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs.

But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

For God says, "I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly."

For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph. A song to be accompanied by stringed instruments. God is honored in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

Human defiance only enhances your glory, for you use it as a weapon.

For he breaks the pride of princes, and the kings of the earth fear him.

For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of Asaph. I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me!