PSALM 34

THE LORD DELIVERS THE RIGHTEOUS 

Concerning David, when he pretended to be insane in the presence of Abimelech, who drove him out, and he departed. 

1  I will bless the Lord at all times;  his praise will always be on my lips. 

2  I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. 

3  Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together. 

4  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. 

5  Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. 

6  This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles. 

7  The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and rescues them. 

8  Taste and see that the Lord is good.  How happy is the person who takes refuge in him! 

9  You who are his holy ones, fear the Lord, for those who fear him lack nothing. 

10  Young lions lack food and go hungry, but those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing. 

11  Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 

12  Who is someone who desires life, loving a long life to enjoy what is good? 

13  Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.  

14  Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it. 

15  The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,  and his ears are open to their cry for help. 

16 The face of the Lord is set against those who do what is evil, to remove all memory of them from the earth. 

17  The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. 

18  The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. 

19  One who is righteous has many adversities, but the Lord rescues him from them all. 

20  He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken. 

21  Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. 

22  The Lord redeems the life of his servants, and all who take refuge in him will not be punished.