Psalm 40

International Standard Version

⁴ How blessed is that strong person
    who places his trust in the Lord,
    and who has not acknowledged the proud
        nor resorted to lies.
⁵ Lord, my God,
    You have done great things:
        marvelous works and your thoughts toward us.
There is no one who compares to you!
    I will try to recite your actions,^[c]
        even though there are too many to number.

⁶ You take no delight in sacrifices and offerings—
    you have prepared my ears to listen—^[d]
        you require no burnt offerings or sacrifices for sin.
⁷ Then I said, “Here I am! I have come!
    In the scroll of the book it is written about me.
⁸ I delight to do your will, my God.
    Your Law is part of my inner being.”

⁹ In the great congregation I have proclaimed the righteous good news.
    Behold, I did not seal my lips, Lord, as you know.
¹⁰ I have not ignored^[e] your righteousness in my heart;
    instead, I have proclaimed your faithfulness and deliverance.
I have not concealed your gracious love and truthfulness
    from the great congregation.

¹¹ Lord, do not withhold your mercy^[f] from me,
    for your gracious love and truthfulness will keep me safe continuously.
¹² Innumerable evils have surrounded me;
    my iniquities have overtaken me so that I cannot see.
They are more in number than the hair on my head,
    and my courage^[g] has forsaken me.

¹³ Be pleased, Lord, to deliver me;
    Lord, hurry up and help me!
¹⁴ May those who seek to destroy my life be ashamed and confounded;
    let them be driven backwards and humiliated,
        particularly those who wish me evil.
¹⁵ Let shame be the reward for those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”

¹⁶ Let all who seek you shout for joy and be glad in you.
May those who love your deliverance say,
    “The Lord be magnified!” continuously.
¹⁷ But I am poor and needy;
    may the Lord think about me.
You are my help and deliverer.
    My God, do not tarry too long!