Psalm 5

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by the flute.

¹O Lord, hear me as I pray;

pay attention to my groaning.

²Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,

for I pray to no one but you.

³Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.

Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

⁴O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;

you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.

⁵Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,

for you hate all who do evil.

⁶You will destroy those who tell lies.

The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.

⁷Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;

I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.

⁸Lead me in the right path, O Lord,

or my enemies will conquer me.

Make your way plain for me to follow.

⁹My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.

Their deepest desire is to destroy others.

Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.

Their tongues are filled with flattery.^a

¹⁰O God, declare them guilty.

Let them be caught in their own traps.

Drive them away because of their many sins,

for they have rebelled against you.

¹¹But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;

let them sing joyful praises forever.

Spread your protection over them,

that all who love your name may be filled with joy.

¹²For you bless the godly, O Lord;

you surround them with your shield of love.