Study Desk

Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication and want what is right for me; Let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, who delights and takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."

Transgression speaks [like an oracle] to the wicked (godless) [deep] within his heart; There is no fear (dread) of God before his eyes.

For he flatters and deceives himself in his own eyes Thinking that his sinfulness will not be discovered and hated [by God].

The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; He has ceased to be wise and to do good.

He plans wrongdoing on his bed; He sets himself on a path that is not good; He does not reject or despise evil.

Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness.

Be still before the LORD; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

The wicked plots against the righteous And gnashes at him with his teeth.

The Lord laughs at him [the wicked one—the one who oppresses the righteous], For He sees that his day [of defeat] is coming.

The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the LORD, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].

When he falls, he will not be hurled down, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand and sustains him.

I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous (those in right standing with God) abandoned Or his descendants pleading for bread.

All day long he is gracious and lends, And his descendants are a blessing.

For the LORD delights in justice And does not abandon His saints (faithful ones); They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked will [in time] be cut off.

The mouth of the righteous proclaims wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice and truth.

The law of his God is in his heart; Not one of his steps will slip.

The LORD will not leave him in his hand Or let him be condemned when he is judged.

Wait for and expect the LORD and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land; [In the end] when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; I am like a mute man who does not open his mouth.

"Behold, You have made my days as [short as] hand widths, And my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]! Selah.