Psalm 3

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!

Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”

Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us.

Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”?

Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out.

The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

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

who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me.

You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind.

But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.

Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.

For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life.

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind;

This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.