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,

The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.

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.”

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

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.

Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave?

or they will tear me apart like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

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.

He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”

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.

Psalm 12

For the director of music. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.

Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.

Psalm 14

For the director of music. Of David.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

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

All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;

I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

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.

They cried for help, but there was no one to save them— to the Lord, but he did not answer.

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