Study Desk

I know [with confidence] that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And [will secure] justice for the poor.

Let the righteous [thoughtfully] strike (correct) me—it is a kindness [done to encourage my spiritual maturity]. It is [the choicest anointing] oil on the head; Let my head not refuse [to accept and acknowledge and learn from] it; For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.

Their [wicked, godless] judges are thrown down the sides of the rocky cliff, And they [who followed them] will hear my words, for they are pleasant (just).

For my eyes are toward You, O GOD, the Lord; In You I take refuge; do not pour out my life nor leave me defenseless.

Keep me from the jaws of the trap which they have set for me, And from the snares of those who do evil.

When my spirit was overwhelmed and weak within me [wrapped in darkness], You knew my path. In the way where I walk They have hidden a trap for me.

Look to the right [the point of attack] and see; For there is no one who has regard for me [to act in my favor]. Escape has failed me and I have nowhere to run; No one cares about my life.

"Give attention to my cry, For I am brought very low; Rescue me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than I.

"Bring my soul out of prison (adversity), So that I may give thanks and praise Your name; The righteous will surround me [in triumph], For You will look after me."

And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no man living is righteous or justified.

For the enemy has persecuted me, He has crushed my life down to the ground; He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have been long dead.

I reach out my hands to You; My throat thirsts for You, as a parched land [thirsts for water]. Selah.

Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For I trust in You. Teach me the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.

Teach me to do Your will [so that I may please You], For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Save my life, O LORD, for Your name's sake; In Your righteousness bring my life out of trouble.

In your lovingkindness, silence and destroy my enemies And destroy all those who afflict my life, For I am Your servant.

Blessed be the LORD, my Rock and my great strength, Who trains my hands for war And my fingers for battle;

Let our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, And our daughters like corner pillars fashioned for a palace;

Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets free the prisoners.

Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our [gracious and majestic] God; Praise is becoming and appropriate.