Psalm 5

New International Reader's Version

For the director of music. A psalm of David to be played on flutes.

5 Lord, listen to my words.
    Pay attention when I mourn.
²My King and my God,
    hear me when I cry for help.
    I pray to you.
³Lord, in the morning you hear my voice.
    In the morning I pray to you.
    I wait for you in hope.

⁴For you, God, aren’t happy with anything that is evil.
    Those who do what is wrong can’t live where you are.
⁵Those who are proud can’t stand in front of you.
    You hate everyone who does what is evil.
⁶You destroy those who tell lies.
    Lord, you hate murderers and those who cheat others.

⁷Because of your great love
    I can come into your house.
With deep respect I bow down
    toward your holy temple.
⁸Lord, I have many enemies.
    Lead me in your right path.
    Make your way smooth and straight for me.

⁹Not a word from their mouths can be trusted.
    Their hearts are filled with a desire to hurt others.
Their throats are like open graves.
    With their tongues they tell lies.
¹⁰God, show that they are guilty.
    Let their evil plans bring them down.
Send them away because of their many sins.
    They have refused to obey you.

¹¹But let all those who go to you for safety be glad.
    Let them always sing for joy.
Spread your cover over them and keep them safe.
    Then those who love you will be glad because of you.
¹²Surely, Lord, you bless those who do what is right.
    Like a shield, your loving care keeps them safe.