Psalms 5

1 For the leader: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by the flute. Hear my words, Lord: give heed to my whisper.

For the music director. A psalm of David, to be accompanied by flutes. Lord, please listen to me. Don't ignore my groans of distress.

2 Attend to my loud cry for help, my king and my God.

Hear me pleading for help, my King and my God, because I'm praying to you.

3 When I pray to you, Lord, in the morning, hear my voice. I make ready for you in the morning, and look for a sign.

Please listen to what I have to say in the morning, Lord. Every morning I put my requests to you and wait for your reply.

4 For you are no God who takes pleasure in wickedness: no one of evil can be your guest.

For you are not a God who has any pleasure in wickedness; evil has no place with you.

5 No braggarts can stand in your presence, you hate all workers of wrong.

The proud cannot come into your presence; you hate everyone who does evil.

6 You destroy all speakers of lies, people of blood and deceit you abhor.

You destroy those who tell lies. The Lord loathes bloodthirsty and deceptive people.

7 But I, through your kindness abundant, may enter your house, and towards the shrine of your temple may reverently bow.

But because of the greatness of your trustworthy love, I can come into your house; in awe of you I bow down towards your holy Temple.

8 Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way level before me.

Lead me, Lord, you who always does what is right, save me from my enemies. Make your way clear to me.

9 For their mouth is a stranger to truth, their heart is a pit of destruction. Their throat is a wide open grave, their tongue the smooth tongue of the hypocrite.

Nothing they say can be trusted; their main desire is to destroy. Their throat is like an open grave; their tongues are full of flattery.

10 Condemn them, God; let their schemes bring them down to the ground. For their numberless crimes thrust them down for playing the rebel against you.

God, condemn them as guilty! Make them fall because of their evil plans. Throw them out because of all their sins, for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you ring out their gladness forever. Protect those who love your name, so they may exult in you.

But may all those who trust in you be happy—may they sing for joy forever. May you spread your protection over them so that everyone who loves your character may celebrate.

12 For you give your blessing, Lord, to the godly, and the shield of your favour protects them.

For you, Lord, bless those who live right; you protect them with your shield of love.