Psalms 1

¹Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; ²but his delight is in the LORD’s ^[+] law. On his law he meditates day and night. ³He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper. ⁴The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. ⁵Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. ⁶For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.

Psalms 2

¹Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? ²The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his Anointed,³“Let’s ^[+] break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.” ⁴He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord^[+] will have them in derision. ⁵Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath: ⁶“Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.” ⁷I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father. ⁸Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. ⁹You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” ¹⁰Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. ¹¹Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. ¹²Give sincere homage to the Son,^[+] lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

Psalms 3

¹LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are those who rise up against me. ²Many there are who say of my soul, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah. ^3[+] But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. ⁴I cry to the LORD with my voice, and he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah. ⁵I laid myself down and slept. I awakened, for the LORD sustains me. ⁶I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people who have set themselves against me on every side. ⁷Arise, LORD! Save me, my God! For you have struck all of my enemies on the cheek bone. You have broken the teeth of the wicked. ⁸Salvation belongs to the LORD. May your blessing be on your people. Selah.

Psalms 4

¹Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. ²You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity and seek after falsehood? Selah. ³But know that the LORD has set apart for himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to him. ⁴Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. ⁵Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in the LORD. ⁶Many say, “Who will show us any good?” LORD, let the light of your face shine on us. ⁷You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased. ⁸In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.

Psalms 5

¹Give ear to my words, LORD. Consider my meditation. ²Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for I pray to you. ³LORD, in the morning you will hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly. ⁴For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can’t live with you. ⁵The arrogant will not stand in your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity. ⁶You will destroy those who speak lies. The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. ⁷But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house. I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you. ⁸Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face. ⁹For there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their heart is destruction. Their throat is an open tomb. They flatter with their tongue. ¹⁰Hold them guilty, God. Let them fall by their own counsels. Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you. ¹¹But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice. Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you. ¹²For you will bless the righteous. LORD, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.