Psalms 40

1 To the chief music-maker. Of David. A Psalm. When I was waiting quietly for the Lord, his heart was turned to me, and he gave ear to my cry.

For the leader. A psalm of David. For the Lord I waited and waited, till, inclining to me, he heard my cry.

2 He took me up out of a deep waste place, out of the soft and sticky earth; he put my feet on a rock, and made my steps certain.

From the horrible pit he drew me, up out of the miry clay; he set my feet on a rock, and my steps he made firm.

3 And he put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God; numbers have seen it with fear, and put their faith in the Lord.

He put a new song in my mouth, of praise to our God. Many see it, and, filled with awe, put their trust in the Lord.

4 Happy is the man who has faith in the Lord, and does not give honour to the men of pride or to those who are turned away to deceit.

Happy the person who has put in the Lord their trust, not looking to false gods or turning to idols.

5 O Lord my God, great are the wonders which you have done in your thought for us; it is not possible to put them out in order before you; when I would give an account of them, their number is greater than I may say.

With us you have wrought in rich measure, O Lord our God, your marvels and purposes for us – none may compare with you – were I to declare or to tell them, past counting are they.

6 You had no desire for offerings of beasts or fruits of the earth; ears you made for me: for burned offerings and sin offerings you made no request.

In offerings bloody or bloodless you have no delight, but with open ears you have made me. Burnt-offering and offering for sin are not what you ask.

7 Then I said, See, I come; it is recorded of me in the roll of the book,

Then said I, ‘Here I am, as the roll of the book has enjoined.

8 My delight is to do your pleasure, O my God; truly, your law is in my heart.

My delight, O God, is to do your will, and your law is within my heart.’

9 I have given news of righteousness in the great meeting; O Lord, you have knowledge that I have not kept back my words.

Well, O Lord, you know that, with lips unrestrained, your righteousness I told in the great congregation,

10 Your righteousness has not been folded away in my heart; I have made clear your true word and your salvation; I have not kept secret your mercy or your faith from the great meeting.

not hiding it in my heart. I have told of your steadfast help, from the great congregation I hid not your love and your faithfulness.

11 Take not away your gentle mercies from me, O Lord; let your mercy and your faith keep me safe for ever.

So do not restrain, Lord, your pity from us. Your love and your faithfulness – ever may they be our shield.

12 For unnumbered evils are round about me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I am bent down with their weight; they are more than the hairs of my head, my strength is gone because of them.

For evils that cannot be numbered have compassed me round. My transgressions have followed me up – I can bear it no more. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has forsaken me.

13 Be pleased, O Lord, to take me out of danger; O Lord, come quickly and give me help.

O Lord, be pleased to deliver me, haste to my help, O Lord.

14 Let those who go after my soul for its destruction have shame and trouble together; let them be turned back and made foolish who take pleasure in my trouble.

May those who are seeking my life be ashamed and confounded together; may those who delight in my hurt be defeated and brought to dishonour.

15 Let those who say to me, Aha, aha! be surprised because of their shame.

May those who hurrah over me be dumbfounded because of their shame.

16 Let all those who are looking for you be glad and have joy in you; let the lovers of your salvation ever say, May the Lord be great.

But may all who seek after you rejoice and be glad in you. May all those eager for your aid, say, ‘Great is the Lord’ evermore.

17 Though I am poor and in need, the Lord has me in mind; you are my help and my saviour; let there be no waiting, O my God.

I am weak and needy, yet the Lord cares for me. You are my help and deliverer; don’t delay, my God.