Psalms, Chapter 5
1For the leader; with wind instruments. A psalm of David.
I
2Give ear to my words, O LORD;
understand my sighing.a
3Attend to the sound of my cry,
my king and my God!
For to you I will pray, LORD;
4in the morning you will hear my voice;
in the morning I will plead before you and wait.b
II
5You are not a god who delights in evil;
no wicked person finds refuge with you;
6the arrogant cannot stand before your eyes.
You hate all who do evil;
7you destroy those who speak falsely.c
A bloody and fraudulent man
the LORD abhors.
III
8But I, through the abundance of your mercy,*
will enter into your house.
I will bow down toward your holy sanctuary
out of fear of you.d
9LORD, guide me in your justice because of my foes;
make straight your way before me.e
IV
10For there is no sincerity in their mouth;
their heart is corrupt.
Their throat* is an open grave;f
on their tongue are subtle lies.
11Declare them guilty, God;
make them fall by their own devices.g
Drive them out for their many sins;
for they have rebelled against you.
V
12Then all who trust in you will be glad
and forever shout for joy.h
You will protect them and those will rejoice in you
who love your name.
13For you, LORD, bless the just one;
you surround him with favor like a shield.
* [Psalm 5] A lament contrasting the security of the house of God (Ps 5:8–9,12–13) with the danger of the company of evildoers (Ps 5:5–7, 10–11). The psalmist therefore prays that God will hear (Ps 5:2–4) and grant the protection and joy of the Temple.