Psalm 3–5

Psalm 3

A psalm by David when he fled from his son Absalom. 

¹O Lord, look how my enemies have increased! 

Many are attacking me. 

²Many are saying about me, 

“Even with God ⸤on his side⸥, 

he won’t be victorious.” 

Selah 

³But you, O Lord, are a shield that surrounds me. 

You are my glory. 

You hold my head high. 

⁴I call aloud to the Lord, 

and he answers me from his holy mountain. 

Selah 

⁵I lie down and sleep. 

I wake up again because the Lord continues to support me. 

⁶I am not afraid of the tens of thousands 

who have taken positions against me on all sides. 

⁷Arise, O Lord! 

Save me, O my God! 

You have slapped all my enemies in the face. 

You have smashed the teeth of wicked people. 

⁸Victory belongs to the Lord! 

May your blessing rest on your people. 

Selah 

Psalm 4

For the choir director; with stringed instruments; a psalm by David. 

¹Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness. 

You have freed me from my troubles. 

Have pity on me, and hear my prayer! 

²You important people, 

how long are you going to insult my honor? 

How long are you going to love what is empty 

and seek what is a lie? 

Selah 

³Know that the Lord singles out godly people for himself. 

The Lord hears me when I call to him. 

⁴Tremble and do not sin. 

Think about this on your bed and remain quiet. 

Selah 

⁵Offer the sacrifices of righteousness 

by trusting the Lord. 

⁶Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good?” 

Let the light of your presence shine on us, O Lord. 

⁷You put more joy in my heart 

than when their grain and new wine increase. 

⁸I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down 

because you alone, O Lord, enable me to live securely. 

Psalm 5

For the choir director; for flutes; a psalm by David. 

¹Open your ears to my words, O Lord. 

Consider my innermost thoughts. 

²Pay attention to my cry for help, my king and my God, 

because I pray only to you. 

³In the morning, O Lord, hear my voice. 

In the morning I lay my needs in front of you, 

and I wait. 

⁴You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness. 

Evil will never be your guest. 

⁵Those who brag cannot stand in your sight. 

You hate all troublemakers. 

⁶You destroy those who tell lies. 

The Lord is disgusted with bloodthirsty and deceitful people. 

⁷But I will enter your house because of your great mercy. 

Out of reverence for you, I will bow toward your holy temple. 

⁸O Lord, lead me in your righteousness because of those who spy on me. 

Make your way in front of me smooth. 

⁹Nothing in their mouths is truthful. 

Destruction comes from their hearts. 

Their throats are open graves. 

They flatter with their tongues. 

¹⁰Condemn them, O God. 

Let their own schemes be their downfall. 

Throw them out for their many crimes 

because they have rebelled against you. 

¹¹But let all who take refuge in you rejoice. 

Let them sing with joy forever. 

Protect them, and let those who love your name triumph in you. 

¹²You bless righteous people, O Lord. 

Like a large shield, you surround them with your favor.