Psalms 5

1 For the music director. A psalm of David, to be accompanied by flutes. Lord, please listen to me. Don't ignore my groans of distress.

To the chief music-maker on wind instruments. A Psalm. Of David. Give ear to my words, O Lord; give thought to my heart-searchings.

2 Hear me pleading for help, my King and my God, because I'm praying to you.

Let the voice of my cry come to you, my King and my God; for to you will I make my prayer.

3 Please listen to what I have to say in the morning, Lord. Every morning I put my requests to you and wait for your reply.

My voice will come to you in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I send my prayer to you, and keep watch.

4 For you are not a God who has any pleasure in wickedness; evil has no place with you.

For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wrongdoing; there is no evil with you.

5 The proud cannot come into your presence; you hate everyone who does evil.

The sons of pride have no place before you; you are a hater of all workers of evil.

6 You destroy those who tell lies. The Lord loathes bloodthirsty and deceptive people.

You will send destruction on those whose words are false; the cruel man and the man of deceit are hated by the Lord.

7 But because of the greatness of your trustworthy love, I can come into your house; in awe of you I bow down towards your holy Temple.

But as for me, I will come into your house, in the full measure of your mercy; and in your fear I will give worship, turning my eyes to your holy Temple.

8 Lead me, Lord, you who always does what is right, save me from my enemies. Make your way clear to me.

Be my guide, O Lord, in the ways of your righteousness, because of those who are against me; make your way straight before my face.

9 Nothing they say can be trusted; their main desire is to destroy. Their throat is like an open grave; their tongues are full of flattery.

For no faith may be put in their words; their inner part is nothing but evil; their throat is like an open place for the dead; smooth are the words of their tongues.

10 God, condemn them as guilty! Make them fall because of their evil plans. Throw them out because of all their sins, for they have rebelled against you.

Send them to destruction, O Lord; let their evil designs be the cause of their fall; let them be forced out by all their sins; because they have gone against your authority.

11 But may all those who trust in you be happy—may they sing for joy forever. May you spread your protection over them so that everyone who loves your character may celebrate.

But let all those who put their faith in you be glad with cries of joy at all times, and let all the lovers of your name be glad in you.

12 For you, Lord, bless those who live right; you protect them with your shield of love.

For you, Lord, will send a blessing on the upright man; your grace will be round him, and you will be his strength.