Psalms 5

Give ear to my words

O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.a ²Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. ³Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.b

⁴O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.c ⁵Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil.d ⁶You will destroy those who tell lies. The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.

⁷Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.e ⁸Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.f ⁹My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery.g

¹⁰O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps. Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. ¹¹But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.h ¹²For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.i