Psalm 1–2

Book I

Psalm 1

Blessed are those^a

who do not walk^b in step with the wicked^c

or stand in the way^d that sinners take^e

or sit^f in the company of mockers,^g

but who delight^h in the law of the Lordⁱ

and meditate^j on his law day and night.

They are like a tree^k planted by streams^l of water,^m

which yields its fruitⁿ in season

and whose leaf^o does not wither—

whatever they do prospers.^p

Not so the wicked!

They are like chaff^q

that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand^r in the judgment,^s

nor sinners in the assembly^t of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over^u the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will be destroyed.^v

Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire

and the peoples plot^a in vain?

The kings^b of the earth rise up

and the rulers band together

against the Lord and against his anointed,^c saying,

“Let us break their chains^d

and throw off their shackles.”^e

The One enthroned^f in heaven laughs;^g

the Lord scoffs at them.

He rebukes them in his anger^h

and terrifies them in his wrath,ⁱ saying,

“I have installed my king^j

on Zion,^k my holy mountain.^l”

I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;^m

today I have become your father.ⁿ

Ask me,

and I will make the nations^o your inheritance,^p

the ends of the earth^q your possession.

You will break them with a rod of iron;^r

you will dash them to pieces^s like pottery.^t”

Therefore, you kings, be wise;^u

be warned, you rulers^v of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear^w

and celebrate his rule^x with trembling.^y

Kiss his son,^z or he will be angry

and you and your ways will be destroyed,

for his wrath^a can flare up in a moment.

Blessed^b are all who take refuge^c in him.