Study Desk

A psalm of David.

Lord , who may dwell^(a) in your sacred tent?^(b) Who may live on your holy mountain?^(c)

The one whose walk is blameless,^(d) who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth^(e) from their heart;

whose tongue utters no slander,^(f) who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;

who despises a vile person but honors^(g) those who fear the Lord ; who keeps an oath^(h) even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;

who lends money to the poor without interest;⁽ⁱ⁾ who does not accept a bribe^(j) against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.^(k)

A miktam^[a] of David.

Keep me safe,^(a) my God, for in you I take refuge.^(b)

I say to the Lord , "You are my Lord;^(c) apart from you I have no good thing."^(d)

I say of the holy people^(e) who are in the land,^(f) "They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight."

Those who run after other gods^(g) will suffer^(h) more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names⁽ⁱ⁾ on my lips.

Lord , you alone are my portion^(j) and my cup;^(k) you make my lot^(l) secure.

The boundary lines^(m) have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.⁽ⁿ⁾

I will praise the Lord , who counsels me;^(o) even at night^(p) my heart instructs me.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord . With him at my right hand,^(q) I will not be shaken.^(r)

Therefore my heart is glad^(s) and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,^(t)

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,^(u) nor will you let your faithful^[b] one^(v) see decay.^(w)

You make known to me the path of life;^(x) you will fill me with joy in your presence,^(y) with eternal pleasures^(z) at your right hand.^(aa)

A prayer of David.

Hear me,^(a) Lord , my plea is just; listen to my cry.^(b) Hear^(c) my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips.^(d)

Let my vindication^(e) come from you; may your eyes see what is right.^(f)

Though you probe my heart,^(g) though you examine me at night and test me,^(h) you will find that I have planned no evil;⁽ⁱ⁾ my mouth has not transgressed.^(j)

Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded.

My steps have held to your paths;^(k) my feet have not stumbled.^(l)

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;^(m) turn your ear to me⁽ⁿ⁾ and hear my prayer.^(o)

Show me the wonders of your great love,^(p) you who save by your right hand^(q) those who take refuge^(r) in you from their foes.

Keep me^(s) as the apple of your eye;^(t) hide me^(u) in the shadow of your wings^(v)

from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.^(w)

They close up their callous hearts,^(x) and their mouths speak with arrogance.^(y)

They have tracked me down, they now surround me,^(z) with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

They are like a lion^(aa) hungry for prey,^(ab) like a fierce lion crouching in cover.

Rise up,^(ac) Lord , confront them, bring them down;^(ad) with your sword rescue me from the wicked.

By your hand save me from such people, Lord , from those of this world^(ae) whose reward is in this life.^(af) May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies; may their children gorge themselves on it, and may there be leftovers^(ag) for their little ones.

As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake,^(ah) I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.^(ai)