< Psalms 34 >
1 [A Psalm] of David, when he changed his countenance before Abimelech; and he let him go, and he departed. I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall be continually in my mouth.
2 My soul shall boast herself in the Lord: let the meek hear, and rejoice.
3 Magnify ye the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord diligently, and he hearkened to me, and delivered me from all my sojournings.
5 Draw near to him, and be enlightened: and your faces shall not [by any means] be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord hearkened to him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions.
7 The angel of the Lord will encamp round about them that fear him, and will deliver them.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man who hopes in him.
9 Fear the Lord, all ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10 The rich have become poor and hungry: but they that seek the Lord diligently shall not want any good thing. (Pause)
11 Come, ye children, hear me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 What man is there that desires life, loving to see good days?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Turn away from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears [are open] to their prayer:
16 but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to destroy their memorial from the earth. The righteous cried, and the Lord hearkened to them,
17 and delivered them out of all their afflictions.
18 The Lord is near to them that are of a contrite heart; and will save the lowly in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but out of them all Lord will deliver them.
20 He keeps all their bones: not one of them shall be broken.
21 The death of sinners is evil: and they that hate righteousness will go wrong.
22 The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants: and none of those that hope in him shall go wrong.