(Jump to Psalm:Psalms 1-25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, Psalms 51-75, Psalms 76-100, Psalms 101-125, Psalms 125-150)

26

1 Give judgment O Lord in my favour,
for I have walked the ′ way · of in′tegrity:
and I have put un′waver·ing ′ trust · in the ′ Lord.
2 Examine me O ′ Lord and ′ try me:
put my heart and my ′ mind ′ to the ′ test.
3 For your steadfast love is ever be′fore my ′ eyes:
and I walk in the ′ way ′ of your ′ faithfulness.
4 I do not sit down with people ′ who are ′ false:
nor ′ do I · con′sort with ′ hypocrites.
5 I hate the ′ company · of ′ wrongdoers:
and ′ will not ′ sit · with the ′ wicked.
6 I wash my hands in ′ innocence · O ′ Lord:
and so will I ′ go a′round your ′ altar,
7 singing a ′ song of ′ thanksgiving:
and pro′claiming ′ all your ′ wonders.
8 Lord I love the house you have ′ made your ′ home:
the ′ place · where your ′ glory ′ dwells.
9 Do not sweep me a′way with ′ sinners:
nor my life with ′ those who ′ thirst for ′ blood,
10 whose fingers are ′ active · in ′ mischief:
and whose right ′ hand is ′ full of ′ bribes.
224 Psalms 25 / 26
11 But as for me, I will walk the ′ way · of in′tegrity:
deliver me and ′ show me ′ your ′ favour.
12 My foot stands firm on ′ level ′ ground:
in the full assembly ′ I will ′ praise the ′ Lord.

27Day 5 Evening

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation,
whom then ′ shall I ′ fear?:
the Lord is the stronghold of my life,
of whom then ′ shall I ′ be a′fraid?
2 When the wicked close in on me ′ to de′vour me:
it is they, my enemies‿
and my ′ foes who ′ stumble · and ′ fall.
3 If an army should encamp against me,
my heart shall ′ not · be a′fraid:
if war should arise against me,
even then ′ I will ′ not · be dis′mayed.
4 One thing I have asked of the Lord,′
which I ′ long for:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord ′‿
all the ′ days · of my ′ life,
5† to gaze on your ′ beauty · O ′ Lord:
and to ′ seek you ′ in your ′ temple.
6 For in the time of trouble you will ′ give me ′ shelter:
you will hide me under the cover of your tent,
and set me ′ high up′on a ′ rock.
7 And now you have ′ raised my ′ head:
above my ′ ene·mies ′ round a′bout me.
8† Therefore I will offer in your dwelling‿
a sacrifice with ′ great ′ gladness:
I will sing and give ′ praise to ′ you O ′ Lord.
 
9 Hear my voice O Lord ′ when I ′ call:
have ′ mercy · on ′ me and ′ answer me.
10 Of you my heart has said, ′ ‘Seek God’s ′ face’:
your ′ face Lord ′ I will ′ seek.
Psalm 27225
11 Do not hide your ′ face ′ from me:
or re′ject your ′ servant ⋅ in ′ anger.
12 You have ′ been my ′ helper:
do not cast me off,
or for′sake me ⋅ O ′ God my ′ saviour.
13† Though my father and my ′ mother ⋅ for′sake me:
the ′ Lord will ′ take me ′ up.
14 Teach me your ′ way O ′ Lord:
and lead me by a level path,
safe from ′ those who ′ lie in ′ wait for me.
15 Do not give me up to the ′ will ⋅ of my ′ enemies:
for liars, and those who breathe out malice,
have risen ′ up to ′ witness ⋅ a′gainst me.
16 I believe that I shall see the ′ goodness ⋅ of the ′ Lord:
in the ′ land ′ of the ′ living.
17 Wait for the Lord,
be strong and let your ′ heart take ′ courage:
yes, ′ wait I ′ say ⋅ for the ′ Lord.

28

1 To you I call O Lord my rock,
be not ′ deaf ⋅ to my ′ cry:
lest if you answer with silence,
I become like those who go ′ down ′ to the ′ grave.
2 Hear the voice of my pleading when I cry to ′ you for ′ help:
when I lift up my hands‿
towards the ′ shrine ⋅ of your ′ holy ′ temple.
3 Do not cast me off with the wicked and ′ those ⋅ who do ′ evil:
who speak peace to their neighbours,
but ′ mischief ⋅ is ′ in their ′ hearts.
  * * *
6 Because they give no heed to your acts O Lord,
or to the ′ work ⋅ of your ′ hands:
you will break them ′ down and ′ never ⋅ re′build them.
226 Psalms 27 / 28
7 Blessèd are ′ you O ′ Lord:
for you have ′ heard my ′ plea for ′ mercy.
8 You are my strength and my shield,
my heart trusts in you and ′ I am ′ helped:
therefore my heart dances for joy,
and in my ′ song ′ I will ′ praise you.
9 You Lord are the ′ strength · of your ′ people:
and a sure refuge for ′ your an′ointed ′ king.
10 O Lord save your people, and′ bless · your in′heritance:
be a shepherd to them, and ′ bear them ′ up for ′ ever.

29

1 Ascribe to the Lord you ′ heaven·ly ′ powers:
ascribe to the ′ Lord all ′ glory · and ′ might.
2 Ascribe due honour to God’s ′ holy ′ name:
worship the Lord ′ in the ′ beauty · of ′ holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is up′on the ′ waters:
it is the glorious God‿
who makes the thunder up′on the ′ great ′ waters.
 
4 The voice of the ′ Lord is ′ power:
the voice of the ′ Lord is ′ full of ′ majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord ′ breaks the ′ cedar-trees:
the Lord ′ splinters · the ′ cedars of ′ Lebanon.
6 The Lord makes Lebanon ′ skip · like a ′ calf:
and Sirion ′ like a ′ young wild ′ bull.
7 The voice of the Lord di′vides the ′ lightning:
the voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness,
the Lord ′ shakes the ′ wilderness · of ′ Kadesh.
8 The voice of the Lord makes the oaks to writhe,
and strips the ′ forests ′ bare:
while in God’s ′ temple ′ all cry, ′ ‘Glory’.
9 The Lord sits enthroned a′bove the ′ waters:
the Lord sits en′throned as ′ king for ′ ever.
10 You Lord will give ′ strength · to your ′ people:
you will give your ′ people · the ′ blessing · of ′ peace.
Psalms 28 / 29227

30Day 6 Morning

1 I will extol you O Lord for you have ′ lifted · me ′ up:
you have not let my ′ ene·mies ′ triumph ′ over me.
2 O Lord my God I cried to ′ you for ′ help:
and ′ you · have re′stored my ′ health.
3† Lord you have brought me back ′ from the ′ dead:
you have saved my life‿
from among those going ′ down ′ to · the A′byss.
 
4 Let all your servants sing praises to ′ you O ′ Lord:
and give ′ thanks · to your ′ holy ′ name.
5 For your anger is but for a moment,
and in your ′ kindness · is ′ life:
tears may linger at nightfall,
but ′ joy comes ′ with the ′ dawn.
6 In my prosperity I said, ‘I shall ′ never · be ′ shaken:
your favour O Lord has made me‿
as firm as ′ any ′ strong ′ mountain.’
7 You turned your ′ face a′way from me:
and ′ I was ′ greatly · dis′mayed.
8 I called to ′ you O ′ God:
to the ′ Lord I ′ made · my ap′peal.
9 ‘What profit is there ′ in my ′ death:
in my ′ going ′ down · to the ′ grave?
10 ‘Will the dust ′ give you ′ praise:
or ′ will it · pro′claim your ′ faithfulness?
11 ‘Hear O Lord, and be ′ gracious ′ to me:
O ′ Lord ′ be my ′ helper’
 
12 You have turned my mourning ′ into ′ dancing:
you have stripped off my ′‿
sackcloth · and ′ clothed · me with ′ joy,
13 so that my heart shall sing your ′ praise with·out ′ ceasing:
O Lord my God, I will give ′ thanks to ′ you for ′ ever.
228 Psalm 30

31

PART ONE

1 In you Lord I have ′ taken ′ refuge:
let me ′ never · be ′ put to ′ shame,
2 deliver me ′ in your ′ righteousness:
incline your ear to me,
come ′ quickly ′ to my ′ rescue.
3 Be to me a ′ rock of ′ refuge:
a ′ stronghold · to ′ keep me ′ safe.
4 You are to me a ′ rock · and a ′ fortress:
for your name′s sake ′ lead me ′ and ′ guide me.
5 Release me from the net they have ′ secret·ly ′ laid for me:
for you O ′ Lord ′ are my ′ strength.
6 Into your hands I com′mend my ′ spirit:
for you have redeemed me, O ′ Lord ′ God of ′ truth.
7 You hate those who pay regard to ′ worthless ′ idols:
but I ′ put my ′ trust · in the ′ Lord.
8 I will be glad and re′joice in · your ′ mercy:
for you have seen my affliction,
and taken ′ heed · of my ′ soul′s dis′tress.
9† You have not given me up to the ′ power · of the ′ enemy:
you have set my feet where ′ I may ′ walk at ′ liberty.

PART TWO

10 Have mercy on me Lord, for ′ I · am in ′ trouble:
my eyes are wasted from grief,
my ′ soul · and my ′ body ′ also.
11 My life is worn out with sorrow,
and my ′ years with ′ sighing:
my strength fails me in my misery,
my ′ bones are ′ wasted · a′way.
12 I am the ′ scorn · of my ′ enemies:
and a ′ byword · a′mong my ′ neighbours.
Psalm 31 229
13 Those of my acquaintance shudder ′ at the ′ sight of me:
when they see me in the ′ ‿
street they ′ shrink a′way from me.
14 I have passed out of mind like ′ one · who is ′ dead:
I have be′come · like a ′ broken ′ vessel.
15 I hear the whispering of many,
fear is on ′ every ′ side:
while they conspire together against me,
and plot to ′ take a′way my ′ life.
16 But my trust is in ′ you O ′ Lord:
I say, ‘You are my God,
my ′ fortunes · are ′ in your ′ hands.’
17 Deliver me from the ′ power · of my ′ enemies:
and from the ′ hand of ′ those who ′ persecute me.
18 Make your face to shine ′ on your ′ servant:
and save me ′ for your ′ mercy′s ′ sake.
19 Let me not be put to shame when I ′ call up′on you:
let the wicked be shamed,
and put to ′ silence ′ in the ′ grave.
20† Let the lying lips be ′ put to ′ silence:
which speak insolently against‿
the ′ righteous · with ′ pride · and con′tempt.
21 O how great is your goodness,
which you have laid up for ′ those who ′ fear you:
which you have prepared in the sight of all,
for ′ those · who take ′ refuge v in ′ you.
22 You hide them under the cover of your presence‿
from those who con′spire a′gainst them:
you keep them under your shelter, ′
safe · from the ′ strife of ′ tongues.
23 Blessèd are ′ you O ′ Lord:
for you have wonderfully shown your love to me,
when I was beset like a ′ city ′ under ′ siege.
24 I said in ′ my a′larm:
‘I am cut off from the ′ sight ′ of your ′ eyes.’
25 But you heard the ′ voice · of my ′ plea:
when I ′ called to ′ you for ′ help.
230 Psalm 31
26 Love the Lord all you servants ′ of the ′ Lord:
for the Lord preserves those who are faithful,
and fully repays the ′ haughty · for ′ their pre′sumption.
27† Be strong, and let your ′ heart take ′ courage:
all ′ you that ′ wait · for the ′ Lord.

32Day 6 Evening

1 Blessèd are those whose offences ′ are for′given:
whose ′ sin · has been ′ put a′way.
2 Blessèd are those to whom the Lord im′putes no ′ guilt:
and in whose spirit ′ there is ′ no de′ceit.
3 While I held back from con′fessing · my ′ sin:
my body wasted away‿
through my ′ groaning ′ all day ′ long.
4 For your hand was heavy upon me ′ day and ′ night:
I was dried up and withered,
as it ′ were by ′ drought in ′ summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my ′ sin to ′ you:
my ′ guilt I ′ did not ′ hide.
6 I said, ‘I will confess my sins ′ to the ′ Lord’:
and so you forgave the ′ wicked·ness ′ of my ′ sin.
7 Therefore let all those that are faithful‿
pray to you in ′ time of ′ trouble:
when great flood-water rises, ′
it shall ′ not come ′ near them.
8 You are a place to hide me in,
you will pre′serve me · from′ trouble:
you will surround me with ′ shouts ′ of de′liverance.
9 ‘I will teach you,
and guide you in the ′ way · you should ′ go:
I will keep you under my ′ eye and ′ give you ′ counsel.
10 ‘Be not like horse or mule,
which have no ′ under′standing:
whose course must be ′ checked with ′ bit and ′ bridle.’
Psalm 32 231
11 Many pains are in store ′ for the ′ wicked:
but whoever trusts in the Lord‿
is sur′rounded · by ′ steadfast ′ love.
12 Be glad you righteous, and rejoice ′ in the ′ Lord:
shout for joy all ′ you · that are ′ upright · in ′ heart.

33

1 Rejoice in the ′ Lord, you ′ righteous:
praise comes ′ well · from the ′ upright · in ′ heart.
2 Give thanks to the Lord ′ on the ′ harp:
sing God′s praise ′ with the ′ ten-stringed ′ lute.
3 Sing to the Lord a ′ new ′ song:
play ′ loudly · with ′ all your ′ skill.
 
4 For your word O ′ Lord is ′ true:
and you are ′ faithful · in ′ all you ′ do.
5 You love what is ′ just and ′ right:
the ′ earth is ′ full of · your ′ kindness.
6 By your word were the ′ heavens ′ made:
and the stars in their ′‿
hosts · by the ′ breath of · your ′ mouth.
7 You gathered up the sea as ′ into · a ′ water-jar:
you laid up the ′ deep as ′ in a ′ storehouse.
8 Let all the earth ′ fear you · O ′ Lord:
and all the inhabitants of the ′ world ′ stand in ′ awe of you.
9 For you spoke, and the world ′ came to ′ be:
you commanded ′ and it ′ stood ′ firm.
10 You Lord bring the counsels of the ′ nations · to ′ nothing:
and frus′trate · the de′signs of the ′ peoples.
11 Your counsel shall en′dure for ′ ever:
the purpose of your ′ heart to ′ all · gener′ations.
12 How blest are the people whose ′ God · is the ′ Lord:
the people you ′ chose · as your ′ own pos′session.
 
13 You Lord look down from heaven upon ′ all ′ people:
from the place where you dwell‿
you consider ′ all · who in′habit · the ′ earth.
232 Psalm 33
14 You fashion the ′ hearts · of them ′ all:
and ob′serve ′ all their ′ deeds.
15 A king is not saved by a ′ mighty ′ army:
nor is a warrior de′livered · by ′ much ′ strength.
16 A horse is a vain thing to ′ count on · for ′ victory:
nor will it save anyone ′ by its ′ great ′ strength.
17 But your eye O Lord is on ′ those who ′ fear you:
on those who rely ′ on your ′ steadfast ′ love,
18 to de′liver them · from ′ death:
and to ′ keep them · a′live in ′ famine.
19 We have waited eagerly for ′ you O ′ Lord:
for you are our ′ help ′ and our ′ shield.
20 Our heart shall re′joice in ′ you:
because we have ′ hoped · in your ′ holy ′ name.
21† Let your constant love at′tend us · O ′ Lord:
as we ′ put our ′ trust in ′ you.

34

PART ONE

1 I will give thanks to the Lord at ′ all ′ times:
God’s praise will ′ always · be ′ on my ′ lips.
2 My soul will glory ′ in the ′ Lord:
the humble will ′ hear ′ and be ′ glad.
3 O praise the ′ Lord with ′ me:
let us ex′alt God’s ′ name to′gether.
4 I sought your help O Lord ′ and you ′ answered me:
and ′ freed me · from ′ all my ′ fears.
5 Look towards the Most High, and be ′ radiant · with ′ light:
and your ′ faces · will ′ not be a′shamed.
6 In my affliction I cried out,
and the ′ Lord ′ heard me:
and ′ saved me · from ′ all my ′ troubles.
7 Your angel O Lord‿
keeps guard around ′ those who ′ fear you:
to ′ rescue · them in ′ time of ′ danger.
Psalms 33 / 34 233
8 Taste and see ′ how gracious the ′ Lord is:
happy are those who find refuge ′ in the ′ Most ′ High.
9 Fear the Lord, you that are God′s ′ holy ′ people:
for those who fear the Lord ′ are in ′ want of ′ nothing.
10 Strong lions suffer ′ want · and go ′ hungry:
but those who seek the Lord‿
shall lack ′ nothing ′ that is ′ good.

PART TWO

11 Come my children and ′ listen to ′ me:
I will ′ teach you · the ′ fear · of the ′ Lord.
12 Which of you de′lights in ′ life:
and desires ′ many ′ days · of pros′perity?
13 Keep your ′ tongue from ′ evil:
and your ′ lips from ′ speaking ′ lies.
14 Turn away from evil and ′ do ′ good:
seek ′ peace and ′ steadily · pur′sue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are ′ on the ′ righteous:
God′s ears are ′ open ′ to their ′ cry.
16 The Lord opposes ′ those · who do ′ evil:
to blot out the re′membrance · of them ′ from the ′ earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the ′ Lord ′ hears them:
and ′ rescues · them from ′ all their ′ troubles.
18 The Lord is near to those who are ′ broken-′hearted:
the Lord saves ′ those · who are ′ crushed in ′ spirit.
19 The troubles of the ′ righteous · are ′ many:
but the Lord ′ sets them ′ free · from them ′ all.
20 The Lord guards every bone in the body ′ of the ′ righteous:
and so not ′ one of ′ them is ′ broken.
21 Evil brings ′ death · to the ′ wicked:
and those who hate the ′ righteous · are ′ brought to ′ ruin.
22 You O Lord ransom the ′ lives of · your ′ servants:
and none who take ′ refuge · in ′ you shall ′ perish.
234 Psalm 34

35Day 7 Morning

PART ONE

1 Contend O Lord with those who con′tend with ′ me:
and fight against ′ those who ′ fight a′gainst me.
2 Take hold upon ′ shield and ′ buckler:
rise ′ up and ′ come · to my ′ help.
3† Draw the spear and the javelin a′gainst · my pur′suers:
and say to me, ′ ‘I am ′ your sal′vation.’
  * * *
9 Then shall my soul be joyful ′ in the ′ Lord:
it shall re′joice in ′ God′s sal′vation.
10 My very bones shall say, ‘Lord who is like you,
for you save the poor from ′ those too ′ strong for them:
the poor and needy from ′ those ′ who de′spoil them?’
11 Witnesses rise up with malice ′ in their ′ hearts:
they question me about things of ′ which I ′ know ′ nothing.
12 They repay me ′ evil · for ′ good:
I am like ′ one · who is ′ deeply · be′reaved.
13 Yet when they were sick I put on sackcloth,
and afflicted my′self with′ fasting:
I prayed with my whole heart,
as though for my ′ friend ′ or my ′ brother.
14 I went about like one mourning ′ for a ′ mother:
I was bowed ′ down with ′ heaviness · of ′ heart.
15 But when I stumbled they gathered with glee,
and came to′gether · a′gainst me:
creatures unknown to me,
they tore me a′part · with un′ending ′ slander.
16 They mocked profanely ′ more and ′ more:
and ′ gnashed · at me ′ with their ′ teeth.
Psalm 35 235
PART TWO
17 Lord how long will you look ′ on at ′ this?:
rescue me from the evils they intend for me,
save my ′ precious ′ life · from the ′ lions.
18 Then I will give you thanks in the ′ great as′sembly:
in the ′ mighty ′ throng · I will ′ praise you.
19 Let not my treacherous enemies ′ triumph ′ over me:
let not those gloat over me‿
who ′ hate me · with′out · any ′ cause.
20 For their talk is ′ not of ′ peace:
but they devise lying words‿
against those who are ′ quiet ′ in the ′ land.
21 They open wide their mouths a′gainst me · and ′ say:
‘Shame on you, shame on you,
we have seen it ′ with our ′ own ′ eyes.’
22 You also have ′ seen O ′ Lord:
do not be silent then,
and go not ′ far from ′ me ′ Lord.
23 Awake, and bestir yourself to′ do me ′ justice:
to defend my cause, my ′ God ′ and my ′ Lord.
24 Give me judgment O Lord my God,
according ′ to your ′ righteousness:
and ′ let them · not ′ triumph ′ over me.
25 Let them not say to themselves,
‘There, we have our ′ heart’s de′sire’:
let them not ′ say they ′ have de′stroyed me.
26 Let all those who rejoice at my misfortune‿
be put to disgrace ′ and con′fusion:
let those who exult over me‿
be ′ clothed with ′ shame and dis′honour.
27 Let those who favour my righteous cause‿
shout for ′ joy · and be ′ glad:
let them cry out continually, ‘Great is the Lord,
who de′lights · in a ′ servant′s · pros′perity.’
28 Then shall my tongue ′ speak of · your ′ justice:
and ′ all the · day ′ long · of your ′ praise.
236 Psalm 35

36

1 Sin speaks to the wicked ′ deep · in their ′ heart:
there is no fear of ′ God be′fore their ′ eyes.
2 They flatter themselves in their ′ own ′ sight:
that their iniquity will ′ not be · found ′ out and ′ hated.
3 The words of their mouth are mischief ′ and de′ceit:
they have ceased to act ′ wisely · and ′ do ′ good.
4 They plot mischief as they ′ lie in ′ bed:
they are set on a course that is not good,
and hold back from ′ nothing ′ that is ′ evil.
5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, ex′tends · to the ′ heavens:
your ′ faithful·ness ′ up · to the ′ clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the strong mountains,
your judgments are like the ′ great ′ deep:
you Lord ′ save both ′ people · and ′ beasts.
7 How precious is your steadfast ′ love O ′ God:
mortals take refuge in the ′ shadow ′ of your ′ wings.
8 They feast on the rich abundance ′ of your ′ house:
you give them drink‿
from the′ stream of ′ your de′lights.
9 For with you is the′ well of ′ life:
and in your ′ light ′ we see ′ light.
10 Continue your loving kindness to ′ those who ′ know you:
and your justice ′ to the ′ true of ′ heart.
11 Let not the foot of pride ′ come a′gainst me:
nor the hand of the′ wicked ′ drive me a′way.
12 There are they fallen,′
those · who do ′ evil:
they are thrown down ′ and un′able · to ′ rise.
Psalm 36 237

37Day 7 Evening

PART ONE

1 Do not fret be′cause · of the ′ wicked:
or ′ envy ′ those · who do ′ evil.
2 For they will soon dry up ′ like the ′ grass:
and wither ′ like the ′ green ′ herb.
3 Trust in the Lord and ′ do ′ good:
then you shall dwell in the land,
and ′ there find ′ safe ′ pasture.
4 Find your delight ′ in the ′ Lord:
and the Lord will ′ give you · your ′ heart′s de′sire.
5 Commit your life ′ to the ′ Lord:
put your trust ′ in the ′ one · who will ′ act for you,
6 so that the justice of your cause‿
will break ′ forth · as the ′ light:
your righteousness ′ like the ′ sun at ′ noon.
7 Be still before the Lord, and ′ wait in ′ patience:
do not grieve at the prosperity of‿
those who ′ follow ′ evil ′ purposes.
8 Refrain from anger, and sup′press your ′ rage:
do not fret yourself, for ′ that leads ′ only · to ′ evil.
9 Those who do ′ evil · shall ′ perish:
but those who wait‿
for the ′ Lord · shall pos′sess the ′ land.
10 A little while, and the wicked shall ′ be no ′ more:
look well, and you will ′ find their ′ place is ′ empty.
11 But the humble shall pos′sess the ′ land:
and enjoy the′ fulness · of ′ peace.
12 The wicked have evil designs ′ on the ′ just:
and ′ grind their ′ teeth · at the ′ sight of them.
13 But the Lord shall ′ laugh · at the ′ wicked:
for the Most High ′ sees · that their ′ time is ′ coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword and ′ bent the ′ bow:
to strike down the poor and needy,
and to slay ′ those who ′ walk ′ uprightly.
238 Psalm 37
15 Their sword shall pierce their ′ own ′ hearts:
and their bow ′ shall be ′ broken · in ′ pieces.
16 The little that the ′ righteous ′ have:
is better than the ′ riches ′ of the ′ wicked.
17 The power of the wicked ′ shall be ′ broken:
but the Lord ′ will up′hold the ′ righteous.

PART TWO

18 The Lord cares for the upright ′ all their ′ days:
and their ′ heritage · will ′ last for ′ ever.
19 They will not be dismayed when ′ times are ′ evil:
and in days of famine their ′ food ′ will not ′ fail.
20 But the wicked, enemies of the ′ Lord, shall ′ perish:
like fuel in the furnace ′ they shall ′ vanish · in ′ smoke.
21 The wicked person borrows but does ′ not re′pay:
but the righteous ′ is a ′ generous ′ giver.
22 Those whom God has blessed shall pos′sess the ′ land:
but those whom God has cursed ′ shall be ′ rooted ′ out.
23 The Lord directs the ′ steps · of the ′ upright:
the Lord steadies them,
and ′ keeps them ′ safe · in the ′ path.
24 Though they stumble they shall ′ not fall ′ down:
for the Lord ′ holds them ′ each · by the ′ hand.
25 I have been young and ′ now · I am ′ old:
but never have I seen the righteous forsaken,
or their ′ children ′ begging · their ′ bread.
26 The righteous are always open′handed · in ′ lending:
and their ′ children · are ′ destined · for ′ blessing.

PART THREE

27 Turn from evil and ′ do ′ good:
and ′ dwell · in the ′ land for ′ ever.
28 For the Lord is a ′ lover · of ′ justice:
and will ′ not for′sake a ′ friend.
29 The unrighteous shall be wiped ′ out for ′ ever:
and the ′ children · of the ′ wicked · shall ′ perish.
Psalm 37 239
30 The just shall in′herit · the′ land:
and ′ dwell there′in for ′ ever.
31 The mouth of the righteous ′ utters ′ wisdom:
and their tongue ′ speaks of ′ that · which is ′ right.
32 The law of their God is ′ in their ′ heart:
and their ′ footsteps ′ will not ′ falter.
33 The wicked are on the watch ′ for the ′ righteous:
and ′ seek oc′casion · to ′ slay them.
34 But the Lord will not leave them ′ in their ′ power:
or let them be condemned ′ when · they are ′ put on ′ trial.
35† Wait for the Lord and keep to the way of holiness,
and the Lord will raise you up to pos′sess the′ land:
the wicked shall perish,
and ′ you · shall be ′ there to ′ see it.
36 I have seen the wicked in ′ great pros′perity:
and towering ′ like the ′ cedars · of ′ Lebanon.
37 I passed by again, and ′ they were ′ gone:
I searched for them, but ′ nowhere · could ′ they be ′ found.
38 Mark well the blameless person,
and take ′ note · of the ′ upright:
for those who seek ′ peace shall ′ have pos′terity.
39 But sinners shall be alto′gether · de′stroyed:
the descendants ′ of the ′ wicked · shall ′ perish.
40 Deliverance for the righteous ′ comes · from the ′ Lord:
the Most High is their ′ stronghold · in ′ time of ′ trouble.
41 God will help them ′ and de′liver them:
and will save them,
because they take ′ refuge ′ in the ′ Lord.

38Day 8 Morning

1 Do not rebuke me Lord ′ in your ′ anger:
do not ′ punish · me ′ in your ′ wrath.
2 For your arrows stick ′ fast · in my ′ body:
and your ′ hand lies ′ heavy · up′on me.
240 Psalms 37 / 38
3 There is no health in my flesh‿
because of your ′ indig′nation:
no soundness in my ′ bones be′cause of · my ′ sin.
4 My sins are like a flood risen ′ over · my ′ head:
like a burden too ′ heavy · for ′ me to ′ bear.
5 My wounds are ′ foul and ′ festering:
by ′ reason ′ of my ′ foolishness.
6 I am bowed down, and ′ utter·ly ′ prostrate:
I go about ′ mourning ′ all the · day ′ long.
7 For my loins are ′ filled with ′ burning:
there is no ′ soundness · in ′ all my ′ body.
8 I am numbed and ′ utter·ly ′ crushed:
I groan in the ′ anguish ′ of my ′ heart.
9 Lord, all my longing is ′ known to ′ you:
and my sighing ′ is not ′ hidden ′ from you.
10 My heart is pounding, my ′ strength has ′ failed me:
and the light of my ′ eyes has ′ gone ′ from me.
11 My friends and companions avoid me in ′ my af′fliction:
and my own ′ family · keep ′ far a′way.
12 Those who seek my ′ life lay ′ snares for me:
those who desire my hurt speak mischief,
and plan treachery ′ all the ′ day ′ long.
13 But I am like the deaf , who ′ do not ′ hear:
like one who is dumb ′ and un′able · to ′ speak.
14 Yes, I am like one who ′ does not ′ hear:
and in whose ′ mouth · there is ′ no re′tort.
15 On you O Lord I ′ fix my ′ hope:
you O ′ Lord my ′ God will ′ answer me.
16 For I pray, ‘Let not the people ex′ult ′ over me:
who rejoice ′ if my ′ foot should ′ slip.’
17 Indeed I am on the ′ point of ′ falling:
and my ′ pain is ′ with me · con′tinually.
18 I confess that ′ I am ′ guilty:
I am dismayed ′ at the ′ thought · of my ′ sin.
Psalm 38 241
19 Those who are my enemies without ′ cause are ′ strong:
those who ′ hate me ′ wrongfully · are ′ many.
20 Those who repay evil for good are ′ also · a′gainst me:
because I ′ seek to ′ do · what is ′ right.
21 Do not for′sake me · O ′ Lord:
be not ′ far · from me ′ O my ′ God.
22 Make haste and ′ come · to my ′ help:
O Lord ′ God of ′ my sal′vation.

39

1 I said, ‘I will be watchful ′ over · my ′ ways:
lest I ′ should of′fend · with my ′ tongue.
2 `I will ′ bridle · my ′ mouth:
so long as the wicked ′ are be′fore my ′ eyes.’
3 I was dumb and ′ kept ′ silent:
I refrained from speaking,
but my dis′tress be′came more ′ painful.
4 My heart grew ′ hot with′in me:
and at the thought of it the fire kindled,
and my ′ tongue broke ′ out · into ′ speech.
5 ‘Lord let me know my end, and the number ′ of my ′ days:
that I may learn how ′ fleeting ′ is my ′ life.
6 ‘You have made my days but a hand′s breadth,
and my lifetime is as nothing ′ in your ′ sight:
even at our best, each of us is ′ only · a ′ puff of ′ wind.
7 ‘We go about like phantoms,
and trouble ourselves ′ to no′ purpose:
we heap up riches,
and ′ cannot · tell ′ who will ′ gather them.’
8 And now ′ what · do I ′ hope for?:
indeed truly my ′ hope ′ is in ′ you.
9 Deliver me from all ′ my of′fences:
and do not ′ make me · the ′ butt of ′ fools.
10 I was dumb, I did not ′ open · my ′ mouth:
because ′ it was ′ your ′ doing.
242 Psalms 38 / 39
11 Take away your ′ scourge ′ from me:
I am crushed by the ′ stroke · of your ′ heavy ′ hand.
12 When you rebuke us, and ′ chasten us · for ′ sin:
you consume all we treasure,
like a moth ′ eating · a′way a ′ garment.
13† It is ′ so with ′ all of us:
truly each is no more ′ than a ′ puff of ′ wind.
14 Hear my prayer O Lord, and give ′ ear · to my ′ cry:
do not be ′ silent ′ at my ′ tears.
15 For I am only a passing guest ′ in your ′ house:
a wayfarer as ′ all my ′ forbears ′ were.
16† Turn your frowning gaze from me, that I may ′ smile a′gain:
before I go from here ′ and am ′ seen no ′ more.

40

1 I waited patiently for ′ you O ′ Lord:
and you bent down to ′ me and ′ heard my ′ cry.
2 You lifted me out of the horrible pit, out of the ′ miry ′ clay:
and set my feet upon a rock,
and ′ made my ′ foothold ′ sure.
3 And you put a new ′ song · in my ′ mouth:
a song of ′ praise ′ to our ′ God.
4 Many shall see it, and be ′ filled with ′ awe:
and so they will ′ trust ′ in the ′ Lord.
5 Blessèd are those who have put their ′ trust · in the ′ Lord:
who have not turned to the proud,
or to those who stray ′ after ′ false ′ gods.
6 O Lord my God,
great are the wonderful things you have done,
and the things you ′ have in ′ mind for us:
there is none to ′ be com′pared with ′ you.
7† I would pro′claim them · and ′ speak of them:
but they are ′ more than ′ can be ′ numbered.
Psalms 39 / 40 243
8 Sacrifice and offering you do not desire,
but you have opened my ′ ears to ′ hear:
burnt-offering and sacrifice for sin ′‿
you have ′ not re′quired of me.
9 Then I said, ′ ‘Look, · I have ′ come:
in the scroll of the book it is written‿
that ′ I should ′ do your ′ will.’
10 I delight to do your will ′ O my ′ God:
truly your ′ law is ′ in my ′ heart.
11 I have told the glad news of deliverance‿
in the ′ great as′sembly:
I did not restrain my lips, as ′ you well ′ know O ′ Lord.
12 I have not kept your goodness hidden ′ in my ′ heart:
I have spoken of your faithfulness ′‿
and your ′ saving ′ help.
13 I have not concealed your ′ steadfast ′ love:
nor your truth ′ from the ′ great as′sembly.
14 Lord, do not withhold from me your ′ tender ′ care:
let your love and ′ faithful·ness ′ ever · pre′serve me.
15 For innumerable ′ troubles · be′set me:
my sins have overtaken me, ′ and I ′ cannot ′ see.
16 They are more in number than the ′ hairs · of my ′ head:
and my ′ heart ′ utter·ly ′ fails me.
17 Be pleased O ′ Lord · to de′liver me:
O ′ Lord make ′ haste to ′ help me.
18 Let those who seek my life be put to ′ shame · and con′fusion:
let those who desire my hurt be ′ turned back ′ in dis′grace.
19 Let those who mock at my hu′mili′ation:
be appalled at ′ their re′ward of ′ shame.
20 Let all who seek you rejoice and be ′ glad in ′ you:
may those who love your saving help‿
say ′ always · ‘The ′ Lord is ′ great.’
21 As for me, I am ′ poor and ′ needy:
but the ′ Lord ′ will take ′ care of me.
22† You are my helper and ′ my de′liverer:
make no long de′lay ′ O my ′ God.
244 Psalm 40

41Day 8 Evening

1 Blessèd are those who consider the ′ poor and ′ helpless:
the Lord will ′ save them · in ′ time of ′ trouble.
2 The Lord protect them and keep them alive,
so that they are counted happy ′ in the ′ land:
and never give them up ′ to the ′ will of their ′ enemies.
3 The Lord comfort them ′ on their ′ sick-bed:
and turn their ′ sickness ′ into ′ health.
4 I said, ‘Lord have ′ mercy up′on me:
heal me, for ′ I have ′ sinned a′gainst you.’
5 My enemies say to ′ me in ′ malice:
‘When will you ′ die · and your ′ name ′ perish?’
6 If any come to see me, they speak ′ insin′cerely:
their heart gathers mischief,
then they go ′ out and ′ spread it · a′broad.
7 All who hate me whisper to′gether · a′gainst me:
they imagine about me the ′ worst ′ that can ′ happen.
8 They say that a deadly thing has ′ fastened · up′on me:
that I will rise up no ′ more from ′ where I ′ lie.
9 Even the friend I trusted, who ate ′ bread · at my ′ table:
has ′ lifted · a ′ heel a′gainst me.
10 Lord have ′ mercy · up′on me:
raise me up again,′ so that ′ I may · re′pay them.
11 By this I shall ′ know · that you ′ favour me:
in that my enemy ′ shall not ′ triumph ′ over me.
12 Because of my integrity ′ you up′hold me:
you have set me ′ in your ′ presence · for ′ ever.
13† Blessèd be the ′ Lord our ′ God:
from everlasting to everlasting. ′ Amen. ′ A′men.
Psalm 41 245

42

1 Like a deer that longs for the ′ running ′ streams:
so do I ′ long for ′ you my ′ God.
2 My soul is thirsting for you O God,
thirsting for the ′ living ′ God:
when shall I come to ap′pear in ′ your ′ presence?
3 My tears have been my food ′ day and ′ night:
while all day long they ask me,′
‘Where now ′ is your ′ God?’
4 This I remember as I pour out my ′ soul · in dis′tress:
how I went with the throng,
and led them ′ to the ′ house of ′ God,
5† amid cries of gladness ′ and thanks′giving:
from people ′ keeping · a ′ holy ′ day.
6 Why are you cast ′ down my ′ soul:
and why are ′ you so ′ troubled · with′in me?
7 Wait in ′ hope for ′ God:
for I will yet praise the one ‿
who is my ′ saviour ′ and my ′ God .
8 My soul is cast ′ down with′in me:
therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan,
from Mizar a′mong the ′ hills of ′ Hermon.
9 Deep calls to deep in the ′ roar · of your ′ waters:
all your ′ waves · and your ′ torrents · pass ′ over me.
10 You will grant me loving ′ kindness · by ′ day:
and at night I will sing to you,
and ′ pray · to the ′ God of · my ′ life.
11 I say to God my rock, ‘Why have ′ you for′gotten me:
why do I go mourning‿
be′cause the′ enemy · op′presses me?’
12 I am like one whose bones are ′ broken · to ′ pieces:
through the ′ taunting ′ of my ′ enemies,
13 while they say to me ′ all day ′ long:
‘Tell us, ′ where now ′ is your ′ God?’
14 Why are you cast ′ down my ′ soul:
and why are ′ you so ′ troubled · with′in me?
246 Psalm 42
15 Wait in ′ hope for ′ God:
for I will yet praise the one ‿
who is my ′ saviour ′ and my ′ God.

43

1 Give judgment for me O God,
and plead my cause against an un′godly ′ people:
save me from the de′ceitful ′ and the ′ wicked.
2 You are my stronghold, why have ′ you re′jected me:
why do I go mourning op′pressed ′ by the ′ enemy?
3 O send out your light and your ′ truth to ′ lead me:
and bring me to your holy ′ hill and ′ to your ′ dwelling.
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
the God of my ′ joy and′ gladness:
and praise you with the ′ harp O ′ God my ′ God.
5 Why are you cast ′ down my ′ soul:
and why are ′ you so ′ troubled · with′in me?
6 Wait in ′ hope for ′ God:
for I will yet praise the one ‿
who is my ′ saviour ′ and my ′ God.

44Day 9 Morning

1 We have heard with our ears O God,
we have ′ learned · from our ′ ancestors:
the things you did in their ′ time in ′ days of ′ old.
2 With your own hand you uprooted the nations‿
and ′ planted · us ′ in:
you broke up the peoples, and ′ caused · us to ′ strike ′ root.
3 It was not by their own sword‿
that our forbears got pos′session · of the ′ land:
nor did their ′ own arm ′ bring them ′ victory,
4 but it was your right hand, your arm‿
and the ′ light · of your ′ face:
because you ′ looked up·on ′ them with ′ favour.
Psalms 43 / 44247
5 You are my king ′ and my ′ God:
it was ′ you · that sent ′ help to ′ Jacob.
6 Through you we beat ′ down our ′ foes:
and in your name we ′ trampled ′ down · our as′sailants.
7 For I did not ′ trust · in my ′ bow:
nor ′ was it · my ′ sword that ′ saved me.
8 But it was you that saved us ′ from our ′ enemies:
and put ′ those who ′ hate us · to ′ shame.
9† In God we made our ′ boast con′tinually:
and gave thanks to your ′ name with′out ′ ceasing.
10 But now you have re′jected · and ′ humbled us:
you no longer ′ go out ′ with our ′ armies.
11 You make us turn our ′ backs · to the ′ enemy:
who ′ plunder us ′ now at ′ will.
12 You have given us like ′ sheep · to the ′ slaughter:
and ′ scattered us · a′mong the ′ nations.
13 You have sold your ′ people · for ′ nothing:
and made no ′ profit ′ from the ′ sale.
14 You have made us the ′ taunt · of our ′ neighbours:
derided and scorned by ′ those ′ round a′bout us.
15 You have made us a byword a′mong the ′ nations:
so that the peoples ′ toss their ′ heads in ′ scorn.
16 All day long my dis′grace · is be′fore me:
and ′ shame has ′ covered · my ′ face,
17 at the words of those who′ taunt · and re′vile me:
as the ′ enemy ′ takes re′venge.
18 All this has come upon us, yet we do ′ not for′get you:
nor have we been ′ false ′ to your ′ covenant.
19 Our heart has not turned ′ back from ′ you:
nor have our feet ′ strayed from ′ your ′ path.
20† Yet you have crushed us in a ′ place of ′ sorrows:
and covered us ′ with the ′ shadow · of ′ death.
21 If we had forgotten the ′ name · of our ′ God:
and stretched out our ′ hands in ′ prayer · to an′other,
248 Psalms 44
22 would you not find it ′ out O ′ God:
for you know the very ′ secrets ′ of the ′ heart?
23 For your sake we face death ′ all the · day ′ long:
and are ′ counted · as ′ sheep · for the ′ slaughter.
24 Rise up Lord, ′ why · do you ′ sleep?:
Awake, and do not re′ject ′ us for ′ ever.
25 Why do you ′ hide your ′ face:
and for′get · our op′pression · and ′ misery?
26 For we are brought low, down to the ′ very ′ dust:
our body lies ′ prone ′ on the ′ ground.
27† Rise up Lord, and ′ come · to our ′ help:
deliver us ′ for your ′ mercy′s ′ sake.

45

1 My heart overflows with a ′ noble ′ theme:
I utter the song I have made for a king,
my tongue is like the ′ pen · of a ′ ready ′ writer.
2 You are the fairest of men,
grace is up′on your ′ lips:
therefore ′ God has ′ blessed you · for ′ ever.
3 Gird your sword upon your ′ thigh O ′ mighty one:
in ′ splendour ′ and in ′ state.
4 In your majesty ride on to conquer,
in the cause of ′ truth and ′ justice:
and let your right hand ′ teach · by its ′ awesome ′ deeds.
5 Your arrows will be very sharp,
in the heart of the ′ king’s ′ enemies:
and the nations shall ′ fall ′ at your ′ feet.
6 Your throne is as God’s throne, it en′dures for ′ ever:
your royal sceptre ′ is a ′ sceptre · of ′ righteousness.
7 You are a lover of right and a ′ hater · of ′ wrong:
therefore God your God, has anointed you‿
with the oil of gladness a′bove ′ other ′ kings.
Psalms 44 / 45249
8 All your garments are fragrant with‿
myrrh ′ aloes · and ′ cassia:
music of strings from ivory ′ pala·ces ′ makes you ′ glad.
9† Kings’ daughters are among your ′ ladies · of ′ honour:
on your right hand is the ′ queen in ′ gold of ′ Ophir.
 
10 Listen my daughter, hear and ′ ponder · my ′ words:
forget your own ′ people · and your ′ father′s ′ house.
11 The king de′sires your ′ beauty:
he is your lord, ′ therefore · bow ′ down be′fore him.
12† The people of Tyre will come ′ with their ′ gifts:
the richest in the ′ land will ′ court your ′ favour.
13 The bride is a king’s daughter,
in the palace all ′ honour · a′waits her:
her ′ clothes · are em′broidered · with ′ gold.
14 In robes of many colours she is brought to ′ you O ′ king:
her maiden companions with her‿
to ′ bring her ′ into · your ′ presence.
15† With joy and ′ gladness · they ′ bring her:
they ′ enter · the ′ royal ′ palace.
16 In place of your fathers ′ you shall · have ′ sons:
and you will make them princes ′ over ′ all the ′ earth.
17 And I will cause your name to be remembered‿
from one generation ′ to an′other:
therefore the ′ peoples · shall ′ praise you · for ′ ever.

46

1 God is our ′ refuge · and ′ strength:
a very ′ present ′ help in ′ trouble.
2 So we will not be afraid though the ′ earth should ′ quake:
and mountains fall into the ′ depths ′ of the ′ sea,
3† though the waters of the sea ′ rage and ′ foam:
and the mountains ′ tremble ′ at the ′ tumult.
 
4 There is a river, its streams make glad the ′ city · of ′ God:
which the Most High has ′ made a ′ holy ′ dwelling.
250 Psalms 45 / 46
5 God is within her, she ′ cannot · be ′ shaken:
God will help her ′ at the ′ break of ′ day.
6 Nations are in tumult,′ kingdoms · are ′ shaken:
but God has spoken, and the ′ earth ′ melts a′way.
7 The Lord of ′ hosts is ′ with us:
the God of ′ Jacob ′ is our ′ stronghold.
 
8 Come and see what the ′ Lord has ′ done:
the devastation ′ brought up′on the ′ earth.
9 The Lord makes wars to cease in ′ all the ′ world:
the Lord breaks the bow and snaps the spear,
and ′ burns the ′ shields · in the ′ fire.
10 ‘Be still then, and know that ′ I am ′ God:
high over the nations, ′ high a′bove the ′ earth.’
11 The Lord of ′ hosts is ′ with us:
the God of ′ Jacob ′ is our ′ stronghold.

47Day 9 Evening

1 Clap your hands ′ all you ′ peoples:
cry out to ′ God with ′ shouts of ′ joy.
2 For the Lord most high is ′ to be ′ feared:
and is the great sovereign ′ over ′ all the ′ earth.
3 The Lord has subdued the ′ peoples ′ under us:
and the ′ nations ′ under · our ′ feet.
4 The Lord chose a land to ′ be our ′ heritage:
it is the pride of ′ Jacob ′ whom God ′ loves.
 
5 God has gone up with ′ shouts of ′ triumph:
the Lord has gone ′ up · with a ′ fanfare of ′ trumpets.
6 Sing praises, sing ′ praises · to ′ God:
sing praises, sing ′ praises ′ to our ′ king.
7 For God is the king of ′ all the′ earth:
sing praises ′ with your ′ utmost ′ skill.
8 God reigns ′ over · the ′ nations:
God is seated ′ on a ′ holy ′ throne.
Psalms 46 / 47251
9 The princes of the ′ nations · as′semble:
with the ′ people · of the ′ God of ′ Abraham.
10 For the mighty ones of the earth‿
have become the ′ servants · of ′ God:
the Lord is ex′alted ′ over ′ all.

48

1 Great is the Lord and ′ highly · to be ′ praised:
in the ′ city ′ of our ′ God.
2 Fair and lofty is God’s ′ holy ′ mountain:
it is the ′ joy of ′ all the ′ earth.
3† On Mount Zion, as in the far north,
stands the city of the ′ Most ′ High:
in her citadels God is well ′ known · as a ′ sure de′fence.
4 See how the ′ rulers · as′sembled:
they came ′ on to′gether · a′gainst her.
5 They were amazed ′ when they ′ saw her:
they were dis′mayed and ′ ready · to ′ flee.
6 Trembling came upon ′ them and ′ anguish:
as it ′ comes · on a ′ woman · in ′ child-birth,
7 or as when the ′ east wind ′ blows:
and ′ breaks up · the ′ ships of ′ Tarshish.
8 As we have heard, so have we seen‿
in the city of the ′ Lord of ′ hosts:
the city our ′ God up′holds for ′ ever.
9 We have called to mind your steadfast ′ love O ′ God:
in the ′ midst of ′ your ′ temple.
10 As your name is great O God,
so is your praise to the ′ ends · of the ′ earth:
your right ′ hand is ′ filled with ′ victory.
11 Let God′s mountain rejoice,
and the daughter-cities of ′ Judah · be ′ glad:
be′cause of ′ your ′ judgments.
12 Go in procession around the circuit ′ of Je′rusalem:
count the ′ number ′ of her ′ towers,
252 Psalm 48
13 take note of her ramparts, ex′amine · her ′ citadels:
so that you may ′ tell the ′ next · gener′ation,
14† that such is God, our God for ′ ever · and ′ ever:
God shall be our ′ guide to ′ all e′ternity.

49

1 Hear this ′ all you ′ people:
give heed,′ all · who in′habit · the ′ world,
2 people of both low and ′ high es′tate:
the ′ rich · and the ′ poor to′gether.
3 My mouth shall speak ′ words of ′ wisdom:
the thoughts of my heart are ′ full of ′ under′standing.
4 I will turn my ′ mind · to a ′ proverb:
and with harp and ′ song de′clare its ′ meaning.
 
5 Why should I fear in ′ evil ′ days:
when the wicked ′ dog my ′ steps · and be′set me?
6 They are people who ′ trust · in their ′ wealth:
and boast of ′ their a′bundant ′ riches.
7 Truly one cannot ′ ransom · one′self:
or pay to ′ God the ′ price of · one′s ′ life,
8 the ransom that would permit life to go ′ on for ′ ever:
and never ′ come · to the ′ pit of ′ death.
9† For that ransom would be ′ far too ′ costly:
for ever beyond ′ human · a′bility · to ′ pay.
10 We see that the wise also die,
as well as the ′ foolish · and ′ stupid:
they perish alike, and ′ leave their ′ wealth to ′ others.
11 Their tomb is their home for ever,
their dwelling-place from ′ age to ′ age:
though once they called estates ′ after · their ′ own ′ names.
12 One who is rich but without ′ under′standing:
is ′ like the ′ beasts that ′ perish.
13 This is the fate of those with a ′ foolish · self′confidence:
the fate too of those who follow them,
who ap′prove of ′ their ′ boastings.
Psalm 49 253
14 Like sheep they are driven into Sheol,
death shall ′ be their ′ shepherd:
quickly they de′scend ′ to the ′ grave.
15 Their bodies shall con′sume a′way:
the grave shall ′ be their ′ home for ′ ever.
16 But God will ′ ransom · my ′ life:
and save me ′ from the ′ power · of ′ death.
17 Do not fear when some be′come ′ rich:
or when the ′ wealth · of their ′ household · in′creases.
18 For at death they take ′ nothing · a′way with them:
and their′ riches ′ will not ′ follow them.
19 While they lived they counted them′selves ′ happy:
and others ′ praise them ′ in their pros′perity,
20 but they will go to ′ join their ′ ancestors:
who will never a′gain ′ see the ′ light.
21 One who is rich but without ′ under′standing:
is ′ like the ′ beasts that ′ perish.

50Day 10 Morning

PART ONE

1 The Lord, the most mighty ′ God has ′ spoken:
and summoned the world,
from the rising of the ′ sun ′ to its ′ setting.
2 God shines ′ out from ′ Zion:
a ′ city ′ perfect · in ′ beauty.
3 Our God is coming, and will ′ not keep ′ silence:
before you O God runs a consuming fire,
and a mighty ′ tempest ′ rages · a′bout you.
4 You call on the heavens above, and on the′ earth be′low:
to witness the ′ judgment ′ of your ′ people.
5 ‘Gather my ′ people · be′fore me:
the people who made ′ covenant · with ′ me by ′ sacrifice.’
6 The heavens pro′claim your ′ justice:
for ′ you your′self are ′ judge.
254 Psalms 49 / 50
7 ‘Listen my people, and ′ I will ′ speak:
I will testify against you Israel, ′ I am ′ God your ′ God.
8 ‘I find no fault ′ with your ′ sacrifices:
your burnt-′offerings · are ′ always · be′fore me.
9 ‘I need take no young ′ bull · from your ′ farm:
nor ′ he-goat ′ out of · your ′ folds.
10 ‘For all the beasts of the ′ forest · are ′ mine:
and so are the cattle ′ on a ′ thousand ′ hills.
11 ‘I know all the ′ birds · of the ′ air:
and all living things in the ′ field are ′ in my ′ care.
12 ‘If I were hungry I ′ would not ′ tell you:
for the world is ′ mine and ′ all · that is ′ in it.
13 ‘Do you think that I eat the ′ flesh of ′ bulls:
or ′ drink the ′ blood of ′ goats?
14 ‘Offer to God the ′ sacrifice of ′ thanksgiving:
and pay your ′ vows · to the ′ One Most ′ High.
15† ‘And call upon me in ′ time of ′ trouble:
then I will de′liver you · and ′ you shall ′ honour me.’

PART TWO

16 But God′s word to the ′ wicked · is ′ this:
‘How can you recite my laws,
and take my ′ covenant · up′on your ′ lips?
17 ‘For you hate to ′ be cor′rected:
and turn your ′ back when ′ I am ′ speaking.
18 ‘You go along with a thief ′ when you ′ meet one:
and you throw ′ in your ′ lot · with a′dulterers.
19 ‘You unbridle your mouth to ′ speak ′ evil:
and with your tongue ′ you con′trive de′ception.
20 ‘You sit down and ′ slander · your ′ brother:
and malign your ′ own ′ mother′s ′ son.
21 ‘All this you have done, and I ′ kept ′ silence:
and you thought I was ′ one ′ like yourself.
22 ‘But now ′ I re′buke you:
and ′ lay the ′ charge be′fore you.
Psalm 50 255
23 ‘Mark this, you that for′get ′ God:
lest I tear you to pieces,
and ′ there will · be ′ no one to ′ save you.
24† ‘Whoever offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving‿
does me ′ due ′ honour:
and to those who follow my way‿
I will ′ show · the sal′vation · of ′ God.’
256 Psalm 51

A New Zealand Prayer Book | He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa

Go to: Contents Page