Book One (Psalms 1–41)

Psalm 1

The Two Paths

1Oh, the joys of those who do not

follow the advice of the wicked,

or stand around with sinners,

or join in with mockers.

2But they delight in the law of the Lord,

meditating on it day and night.

3They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do.

4But not the wicked!

They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.

5They will be condemned at the time of judgment.

Sinners will have no place among the godly.

6For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,

but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 3

A Confident Prayer for Rescue

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

1O Lord, I have so many enemies;

so many are against me.

2So many are saying,

“God will never rescue him!”

Interlude*3:2 Hebrew Selah. The meaning of this word is uncertain, though it is probably a musical or literary term. It is rendered Interlude throughout the Psalms.

3But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;

you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

4I cried out to the Lord,

and he answered me from his holy mountain.

Interlude

5I lay down and slept,

yet I woke up in safety,

for the Lord was watching over me.

6I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies

who surround me on every side.

7Arise, O Lord!

Rescue me, my God!

Slap all my enemies in the face!

Shatter the teeth of the wicked!

8Victory comes from you, O Lord.

May you bless your people.

Interlude