< Psalms 16 >
1 Preserve me, God, for in you do I take refuge.
A psalm (miktam) of David. Take care of me, Lord, for I come to you for protection.
2 My soul, you have said to Adonai, “You are my Lord. Apart from you I have no good thing.”
I tell the Lord, “Apart from you Lord, I don't have anything that's good.”
3 As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.
As for the holy people in the land, they are the ones who are truly great. I appreciate them.
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who give gifts to another deity. Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take their names on my lips.
Those who run after other gods will face a lot of trouble. I will not participate in their offerings of blood, I will not even speak the names of their gods.
5 Adonai assigned my portion and my cup. You made my lot secure.
Lord, you alone are all I have; you give me what I need; you safeguard my future.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a good inheritance.
The land divisions have worked out in my favor—my property is wonderful!
7 I will bless Adonai, who has given me counsel. Yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
I will bless the Lord who gives me good advice; even at night my conscience tells me what is right.
8 I always set Adonai before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
I have always kept the Lord in front of me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my kavod ·weighty glory· rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety.
That's why I'm so happy! That's why I am full of joy! That's why my body lives in hope!
10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol ·Place of the dead·, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption. (Sheol )
For you will not abandon me in the grave, nor will you allow your Holy One to experience decay. (Sheol )
11 You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.
You have shown me the path of life, filling me with joy with your presence and the delight of living with you forever.