Psalm 5

Psalm 5^a

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

¹Listenⁱ to my words, Lord,

consider my lament.^j

²Hear my cry for help,^k

my King and my God,^l

for to you I pray.

³In the morning,^m Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait expectantly.ⁿ

⁴For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;

with you, evil people^o are not welcome.

⁵The arrogant^p cannot stand^q

in your presence.

You hate^r all who do wrong;

⁶you destroy those who tell lies.^s

The bloodthirsty and deceitful

you, Lord, detest.

⁷But I, by your great love,

can come into your house;

in reverence^t I bow down^u

toward your holy temple.^v

⁸Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness^w

because of my enemies—

make your way straight^x before me.

⁹Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;

their heart is filled with malice.

Their throat is an open grave;^y

with their tongues they tell lies.^z

¹⁰Declare them guilty, O God!

Let their intrigues be their downfall.

Banish them for their many sins,^a

for they have rebelled^b against you.

¹¹But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

let them ever sing for joy.^c

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name^d may rejoice in you.^e

¹²Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;^f

you surround them^g with your favor as with a shield.^h