[1] Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones; Praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart—those with moral integrity and godly character]. [2] Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings. [3] Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound. [4] For the word of the LORD is right; And all His work is done in faithfulness. [5] He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD. [6] By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, And all their host by the breath of His mouth. [7] He gathers the waters of the sea together as in a wineskin; He puts the deeps in storehouses. [8] Let all the earth fear and worship the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. [9] For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. [10] The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations; He makes the thoughts and plans of the people ineffective. [11] The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The thoughts and plans of His heart through all generations. [12] Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance. [13] The LORD looks [down] from heaven; He sees all the sons of man; [14] From His dwelling place He looks closely Upon all the inhabitants of the earth— [15] He who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers and understands all that they do. [16] The king is not saved by the great size of his army; A warrior is not rescued by his great strength. [17] A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. [18] Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon those who fear Him [and worship Him with awe-inspired reverence and obedience], On those who hope [confidently] in His compassion and lovingkindness, [19] To rescue their lives from death And keep them alive in famine. [20] We wait [expectantly] for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. [21] For in Him our heart rejoices, Because we trust [lean on, rely on, and are confident] in His holy name. [22] Let Your [steadfast] lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, In proportion as we have hoped in You.
