Psalms 3-5

Psalm 3

¹A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are mine adversaries increased! many are they that rise up against me.

²Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah

³But thou, O LORD, art a shield about me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

⁴I cry unto the LORD with my voice, and he answereth me out of his holy hill. Selah

⁵I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustaineth me.

⁶I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people, that have set themselves against me round about.

⁷Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked.

⁸Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing be upon thy people. Selah

Psalm 4

¹For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness; thou hast set me at large when I was in distress: have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

²O ye sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonour? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah

³But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

⁴Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah

⁵Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

⁶Many there be that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

⁷Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than they have when their corn and their wine are increased.

⁸In peace will I both lay me down and sleep: for thou, LORD, alone makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 5

¹For the Chief Musician; with the Nehiloth. A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

²Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee do I pray.

³O LORD, in the morning shalt thou hear my voice; in the morning will I order my prayer unto thee, and will keep watch.

⁴For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: evil shall not sojourn with thee.

⁵The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

⁶Thou shalt destroy them that speak lies: the LORD abhorreth the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

⁷But as for me, in the multitude of thy lovingkindness will I come into thy house: in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

⁸Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way plain before my face.

⁹For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness: their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

¹⁰Hold them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own counsels: thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

¹¹But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice, let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

¹²For thou wilt bless the righteous; O LORD, thou wilt compass him with favour as with a shield.