"Come, sing the Lord's praise with me, let us extol his name together." (Ps. 33:4)

1

(Of David, when he feigned madness at the court of Abimelech, so that Abimelech sent him away, and he escaped.✻ )

2

 

At all times I will bless the Lord; his praise shall be on my lips continually.

3

 

Be all my boasting in the Lord; listen to me, humble souls, and rejoice.

4

 

Come, sing the Lord’s praise with me, let us extol his name together.

5

 

Did I not look to the Lord, and find a hearing; did he not deliver me from all my terrors?

6

 

Ever look to him, and in him find happiness; here is no room for downcast looks.

7

 

Friendless folk may still call upon the Lord and gain his ear, and be rescued from all their afflictions.

8

 

Guardian of those who fear the Lord, his angel encamps at their side, and brings deliverance.

9

 

How gracious the Lord is! Taste and prove it; blessed is the man that learns to trust in him.

10

 

It is for you, his chosen servants, to fear the Lord; those who fear him never go wanting.

11

 

Justly do the proud fall into hunger and want;✻ blessing they lack not that look to him.

12

 

Know, then, my children, what the fear of the Lord is; come and listen to my teaching.

13

 

Long life, and prosperous days, who would have these for the asking?

14

 

My counsel is, keep thy tongue clear of harm, and thy lips free from every treacherous word.

15

 

Naught of evil cherish thou, but rather do good; let peace be all thy quest and aim.

16

 

On the upright the Lord’s eye ever looks favourably; his ears are open to their pleading.

17

 

Perilous is his frown for the wrong-doers; he will soon make their name vanish from the earth.

18

 

Roused by the cry of the innocent, the Lord sets them free from all their afflictions.

19

 

So near is he to patient hearts, so ready to defend the humbled spirit.

20

 

Though a hundred trials beset the innocent, the Lord will bring him safely through them all.

21

 

Under the Lord’s keeping, every bone of his is safe; not one of them shall suffer harm.

22

 

Villainy hastes to its own undoing; the enemies of innocence will bear their punishment.

23

 

The Lord will claim his servant as his own; they go unreproved that put their trust in him.