Study Desk

Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who provides rain for the earth, Who makes grass grow on the mountains.

He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens that for which they cry.

The LORD favors those who fear and worship Him [with awe-inspired reverence and obedience], Those who wait for His mercy and lovingkindness.

For He has strengthened the bars of your gates, He has blessed your children within you.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted and supreme; His glory and majesty are above earth and heaven.

He has lifted up a horn for His people [giving them strength, prosperity, dignity, and preeminence], Praise for all His godly ones; For the people of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

Let the godly ones exult in glory; Let them sing for joy on their beds.

To execute on them the judgment written. This is the honor for all His godly ones. Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)

Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness.

For they are a garland of grace on your head, And chains and ornaments [of gold] around your neck.

For their feet run to evil, And they hurry to shed blood.

But [when these people set a trap for others] they lie in wait for their own blood; They set an ambush for their own lives [and rush to their destruction].

So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; Greed takes away the lives of its possessors.

"For the turning away of the naive will kill them, And the careless ease of [self-righteous] fools will destroy them.

So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];

Yes, if you cry out for insight, And lift up your voice for understanding;

If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver And search for her as you would hidden treasures;

For the LORD gives [skillful and godly] wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.