Study Desk

BOOK I

Psalms 1–41

Blessed is the one^(a) who does not walk^(b) in step with the wicked^(c) or stand in the way^(d) that sinners take^(e) or sit^(f) in the company of mockers,^(g)

but whose delight^(h) is in the law of the Lord ,⁽ⁱ⁾ and who meditates^(j) on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree^(k) planted by streams^(l) of water,^(m) which yields its fruit⁽ⁿ⁾ in season and whose leaf^(o) does not wither— whatever they do prospers.^(p)

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff^(q) that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand^(r) in the judgment,^(s) nor sinners in the assembly^(t) of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over^(u) the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.^(v)

Why do the nations conspire^[a] and the peoples plot^(a) in vain?

The kings^(b) of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed,^(c) saying,

"Let us break their chains^(d) and throw off their shackles."^(e)

The One enthroned^(f) in heaven laughs;^(g) the Lord scoffs at them.

He rebukes them in his anger^(h) and terrifies them in his wrath,⁽ⁱ⁾ saying,

"I have installed my king^(j) on Zion,^(k) my holy mountain.^(l)"

I will proclaim the Lord 's decree: He said to me, "You are my son;^(m) today I have become your father.⁽ⁿ⁾

Ask me, and I will make the nations^(o) your inheritance,^(p) the ends of the earth^(q) your possession.

You will break them with a rod of iron^[b];^(r) you will dash them to pieces^(s) like pottery.^(t)"

Therefore, you kings, be wise;^(u) be warned, you rulers^(v) of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear^(w) and celebrate his rule^(x) with trembling.^(y)

Kiss his son,^(z) or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath^(aa) can flare up in a moment. Blessed^(ab) are all who take refuge^(ac) in him.