Study Desk

A Davidic psalm.

Lord , who can dwell in Your tent?^(a) Who can live on Your holy mountain?^(b)

The one who lives honestly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart^(c)—

who does not slander with his tongue,^(d) who does not harm his friend or discredit his neighbor,^(e)

who despises the one rejected by the Lord ^[a] but honors those who fear the Lord ,^(f) who keeps his word whatever the cost,^(g)

who does not lend his money at interest^(h) or take a bribe against the innocent⁽ⁱ⁾— the one who does these things will never be moved.^(j)

A Davidic Miktam.^(a)

Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You.^(b)

I^[a] said to Yahweh, "You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides You."^[b](c)

As for the holy people who are in the land,^(d) they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.

The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.^(e)

Lord , You are my portion^[c] and my cup of blessing; You hold my future.^(f)

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.^(g)

I will praise the Lord who counsels me^(h)— even at night my conscience instructs me.⁽ⁱ⁾

I keep the Lord in mind^[d] always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.^(j)

Therefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely.^(k)

For You will not abandon me to Sheol;^(l) You will not allow Your Faithful One to see decay.^(m)

You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy;⁽ⁿ⁾ in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.^(o)

A Davidic prayer.

Lord , hear a just cause;^(a) pay attention to my cry; listen to my prayer— from lips free of deceit.^(b)

Let my vindication come from You, for You see what is right.^(c)

You have tested my heart;^(d) You have examined me at night. You have tried me and found nothing evil;^(e) I have determined that my mouth will not sin.^[a]

Concerning what people do: by the word of Your lips^[b] I have avoided the ways of the violent.^(f)

My steps are on Your paths; my feet have not slipped.^(g)

I call on You, God, because You will answer me;^(h) listen closely to me; hear what I say.

Display the wonders of Your faithful love,⁽ⁱ⁾ Savior of all who seek refuge^(j) from those who rebel against Your right hand.^[c]

Protect me as the pupil of Your eye;^(k) hide me in the shadow of Your wings^(l)

from^[d] the wicked who treat me violently,^[e] my deadly enemies who surround me.^(m)

They have become hardened;^[f](n) their mouths speak arrogantly.^(o)

They advance against me;^[g] now they surround me.^(p) They are determined^[h] to throw me to the ground.^(q)

They are^[i] like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush.^(r)

Rise up, Lord ! Confront him; bring him down.^(s) With Your sword, save me from the wicked.^(t)

With Your hand, Lord , save me from men, from men of the world whose portion is in this life: You fill their bellies with what You have in store; their sons are satisfied, and they leave their surplus to their children.^(u)

But I will see Your face in righteousness;^(v) when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence.^[j](w)