For this reason the wicked cannot withstand judgment, nor can sinners join the assembly of the godly.

Many say, "Who can show us anything good?" Smile upon us, Lord!

when they prayed: "Have mercy on me, Lord! See how I am oppressed by those who hate me, O one who can snatch me away from the gates of death!

For the music director; by David. In the Lord I have taken shelter. How can you say to me, "Flee to a mountain like a bird!

When the foundations are destroyed, what can the godly accomplish?"

Indeed, with your help I can charge against an army; by my God's power I can jump over a wall.

He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend even the strongest bow.

It emerges from the distant horizon, and goes from one end of the sky to the other; nothing can escape its heat.

Who can know all his errors? Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of.

I can count all my bones; my enemies are gloating over me in triumph.

I maintain a pure lifestyle, so I can appear before your altar, O Lord,

I have asked the Lord for one thing -- this is what I desire! I want to live in the Lord's house all the days of my life, so I can gaze at the splendor of the Lord and contemplate in his temple.

"What profit is there in taking my life, in my descending into the Pit? Can the dust of the grave praise you? Can it declare your loyalty?

Listen to me! Quickly deliver me! Be my protector and refuge, a stronghold where I can be safe!

For I hear what so many are saying, the terrifying news that comes from every direction. When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life.

With all my strength I will say, "O Lord, who can compare to you? You rescue the oppressed from those who try to overpower them; the oppressed and needy from those who try to rob them."

I can see the evildoers! They have fallen! They have been knocked down and are unable to get up!

My heart beats quickly; my strength leaves me; I can hardly see.

Turn your angry gaze away from me, so I can be happy before I pass away.

O Lord, my God, you have accomplished many things; you have done amazing things and carried out your purposes for us. No one can thwart you! I want to declare them and talk about them, but they are too numerous to recount!

As for you, O Lord, have mercy on me and raise me up, so I can pay them back!"

Consider its defenses! Walk through its fortresses, so you can tell the next generation about it!

God says this to the evildoer: "How can you declare my commands, and talk about my covenant?

In God -- I boast in his promise -- in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?

in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?

Do not trust in what you can gain by oppression! Do not put false confidence in what you can gain by robbery! If wealth increases, do not become attached to it!

Our God is a God who delivers; the Lord, the sovereign Lord, can rescue from death.

You know how I am insulted, humiliated and disgraced; you can see all my enemies.

Be my protector and refuge, a stronghold where I can be safe! For you are my high ridge and my stronghold.

Your justice, O God, extends to the skies above; you have done great things. O God, who can compare to you?

You are awesome! Yes, you! Who can withstand your intense anger?

O God, your deeds are extraordinary! What god can compare to our great God?

Yes, he struck a rock and water flowed out, streams gushed forth. But can he also give us food? Will he provide meat for his people?"

Even the birds find a home there, and the swallow builds a nest, where she can protect her young near your altars, O Lord who rules over all, my king and my God.

None can compare to you among the gods, O Lord! Your exploits are incomparable!

For who in the skies can compare to the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings,

No man can live on without experiencing death, or deliver his life from the power of Sheol. (Selah)

Who can really fathom the intensity of your anger? Your raging fury causes people to fear you.

but when the hot wind blows by, it disappears, and one can no longer even spot the place where it once grew.

He provides grass for the cattle, and crops for people to cultivate, so they can produce food from the ground,

as well as wine that makes people feel so good, and so they can have oil to make their faces shine, as well as food that sustains people's lives.

Who can adequately recount the Lord's mighty acts, or relate all his praiseworthy deeds?

Who can compare to the Lord our God, who sits on a high throne?

How can I repay the Lord for all his acts of kindness to me?

The Lord is on my side, I am not afraid! What can people do to me?

(Bet) How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions!

Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law!

Help me to understand what your precepts mean! Then I can meditate on your marvelous teachings.

Turn away from me, you evil men, so that I can observe the commands of my God.

I am your servant. Give me insight, so that I can understand your rules.

Deliver me from oppressive men, so that I can keep your precepts.

Your rules remain just. Give me insight so that I can live.

I cried out to you, "Deliver me, so that I can keep your rules."

My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours, so that I can meditate on your word.

It is vain for you to rise early, come home late, and work so hard for your food. Yes, he can provide for those whom he loves even when they sleep.

May they be like the grass on the rooftops which withers before one can even pull it up,

How can we sing a song to the Lord in a foreign land?

Where can I go to escape your spirit? Where can I flee to escape your presence?

The Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise! No one can fathom his greatness!

He throws his hailstones like crumbs. Who can withstand the cold wind he sends?