Psalm 5

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.² Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.³ In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

   

 ⁴You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.⁵ The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.⁶ You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.

   

 ⁷But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down towards your holy temple.⁸ Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make straight your way before me.

   

 ⁹Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.¹⁰ Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

   

 ¹¹But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.¹² For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield. [NIV]