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,

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

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.

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.

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

I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.

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.

How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.

For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome.

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.

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

Psalm 6

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

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?

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

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,

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

Lord my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands—

Arise, Lord, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.

Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure— you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.

My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.