Psalms 5

1 For the chief musician; with wind instruments. A psalm of David. Listen to my call to you, Yahweh; think about my groanings.

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.

2 Listen to the sound of my call, my King and my God, for it is to you that I pray.

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

3 Yahweh, in the morning you hear my cry; in the morning I will bring my petition to you and wait expectantly.

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.

4 Certainly you are not a God who approves of evil; evil people will not be your guests.

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

5 The arrogant will not stand in your presence; you hate all who behave wickedly.

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

6 You will destroy liars; Yahweh despises violent and deceitful men.

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

7 But as for me, because of your great covenant faithfulness, I will come into your house; in reverence I will bow down toward your holy temple.

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.

8 Oh Lord, lead me in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your path straight before me.

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

9 For there is no truth in their mouth; their inward being is wicked; their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue.

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.

10 Declare them guilty, God; may their schemes be their downfall! Drive them out for their many transgressions, for they have rebelled against you.

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.

11 But may all those who take refuge in you rejoice; let them always shout for joy because you defend them; let them be joyful in you, those who love your name.

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.

12 For you will bless the righteous, Yahweh; you will surround them with favor as with a shield.

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