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BOOK I
Psalms 1–41
Psalm 1
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
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but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
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That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
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Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
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Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”
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Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
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Psalm 4
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
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How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
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Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
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For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome.
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The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong;
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Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.
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Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
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But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
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My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?
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I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.
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My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.
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Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping.
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All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.
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Psalm 7
A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite.
Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me,
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Lord my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands—
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if I have repaid my ally with evil or without cause have robbed my foe—
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Arise, Lord, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.
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Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure— you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.
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My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.
