1To the Chief Musician; on wind instruments. A Psalm of David. LISTEN TO my words, O Lord, give heed to my sighing and groaning.
2Hear the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You do I pray.
3In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].
4For You are not a God Who takes pleasure in wickedness; neither will the evil [man] so much as dwell [temporarily] with You.
5Boasters can have no standing in Your sight; You abhor all evildoers.
6You will destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors [and rejects] the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7But as for me, I will enter Your house through the abundance of Your steadfast love and mercy; I will worship toward and at Your holy temple in reverent fear and awe of You.
8Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way level (straight and right) before my face.
9For there is nothing trustworthy or steadfast or truthful in their talk; their heart is destruction [or a destructive chasm, a yawning gulf]; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter and make smooth with their tongue. [Rom. 3:13.]
10Hold them guilty, O God; let them fall by their own designs and counsels; cast them out because of the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.
11But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.
12For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor).