1. LISTEN TO my words, O Lord, give heed to my sighing and groaning.
2. Hear the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You do I pray.
3. In 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].
4. For You are not a God Who takes pleasure in wickedness; neither will the evil [man] so much as dwell [temporarily] with You.
5. Boasters can have no standing in Your sight; You abhor all evildoers.
6. You will destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors [and rejects] the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7. But 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.
8. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way level (straight and right) before my face.
9. For 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.]
10. Hold 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.
11. But 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.
12. For 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).