ISV(i)
1 To the Director: On an eight stringed harp. A Davidic Psalm.
Human and Divine Words Contrasted Help, LORD, for godly people no longer exist; trustworthy people have disappeared from humanity.
2 Everyone speaks lies to his neighbor; they speak with flattering lips and hidden motives.
3 The LORD will cut off all slippery lips, and the tongue that boasts great things,
4 those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail; our lips belong to us. Who is master over us?”
5 “Because the poor are being oppressed, because the needy are sighing, I will now arise,” says the LORD, “I will establish in safety those who yearn for it.”
6 The words of the LORD are pure, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times over.
7 You, LORD, will keep them safe, you will guard them from this generation forever.
8 The wicked, however, keep walking around, exalting the vileness of human beings.
13 1To the Director: A Davidic Psalm.
A Prayer for Deliverance How long? LORD, will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I struggle in my soul at night and have sorrow in my heart during the day? How long will my enemy rise up against me?
3 Look at me! Answer me, LORD, my God! Give light to my eyes! Otherwise, I will sleep in death;
4 Otherwise, my enemy will say, “I have overcome him;” Otherwise, my persecutor will rejoice when I am shaken.
5 As for me, I have trusted in your gracious love, my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.
6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has dealt bountifully with me.
14 1To the Director: A Davidic Psalm.
The Fool and God’s Response Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.” They are corrupt and commit evil deeds; not one of them practices what is good.
2 The LORD looks down from the heavens upon humanity to see if anyone shows discernment as he searches for God.
3 All have turned away, together they have become corrupt; no one practices what is good, not even one.
4 Will those who do evil ever learn? They devour my people like they devour bread, and never call on the LORD.
5 There they are seized with terror, because God is with those who are righteous.
6 You would frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the LORD is their refuge.
7 May Israel’s deliverance come from Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice, and Israel will be glad.
15 1A Davidic Psalm.
Welcomed into God’s Presence LORD, who may stay in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy mountain?
2 The one who lives with integrity, who does righteous deeds, and who speaks truth to himself.
3 The one who does not slander with his tongue, who does no evil to his neighbor, and who does not destroy his friend’s reputation.
4 The one who despises those who are utterly wicked, but who honors the one who fears the LORD, who keeps his word even when it hurts and does not change,
5 who does not loan his money with interest, and who does not take a bribe against those who are innocent. The one who does these things will stand firm forever.
16 1A special Davidic Psalm.
Trust in the Face of Death Keep me safe, God, for I take refuge in you.
2 I told the LORD, “You are my master, I have nothing good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints that are in the land, they are noble, and all my delight is in them.
4 Those who hurry after another god will have many sorrows; I will not present their drink offerings of blood, nor will my lips speak their names.
5 The LORD is my inheritance and my cup; you support my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places for me; truly, I have a beautiful heritage.
7 I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; indeed, my conscience instructs me during the night.
8 I have set the LORD before me continuously; because he stands at my right hand, I will stand firm.
9 Therefore, my heart is glad, my whole being rejoices, and my body will dwell securely.
10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, you will not allow your holy one to experience corruption.
11 You cause me to know the path of life; in your presence is joyful abundance, at your right hand there are pleasures forever.
17 1A Davidic Prayer.
A Cry for Justice LORD, hear my just plea! Pay attention to my cry! Listen to my prayer, since it does not come from lying lips.
2 Justice for me will come from your presence; your eyes see what is right.
3 When you probe my heart, and examine me at night; when you refine me, you will find nothing wrong, for I have determined that I will not transgress with my mouth.
4 As for the ways of mankind, I have, according to the words of your lips, avoided the ways of the violent.
5 Because my steps have held fast to your paths, my footsteps have not faltered.
6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, God. Listen closely to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show forth your gracious love, save those who take refuge in you
Human and Divine Words Contrasted
13 1
A Prayer for Deliverance
14 1
The Fool and God’s Response
15 1
Welcomed into God’s Presence
16 1
Trust in the Face of Death
17 1
A Cry for Justice