Study Desk

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)

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

The heavens^(a) declare^(b) the glory of God;^(c) the skies^(d) proclaim the work of his hands.^(e)

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.^(f)

They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice^[b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.^(g) In the heavens God has pitched a tent^(h) for the sun.⁽ⁱ⁾

It is like a bridegroom^(j) coming out of his chamber,^(k) like a champion^(l) rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens^(m) and makes its circuit to the other;⁽ⁿ⁾ nothing is deprived of its warmth.

The law of the Lord ^(o) is perfect,^(p) refreshing the soul.^(q) The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,^(r) making wise the simple.^(s)

The precepts of the Lord are right,^(t) giving joy^(u) to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.^(v)

The fear of the Lord ^(w) is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.^(x)

They are more precious than gold,^(y) than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey,^(z) than honey from the honeycomb.^(aa)

By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.^(ab)

Keep your servant also from willful sins;^(ac) may they not rule over me.^(ad) Then I will be blameless,^(ae) innocent of great transgression.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing^(af) in your sight, Lord , my Rock^(ag) and my Redeemer.^(ah)