April 7 – Psalms 15 and 16 from the Old Testament

Psalms 15 and 16 – Psalm 15

A psalm of David.

15:1 Lord, who may be a guest in your home?

Who may live on your holy hill?

15:2 Whoever lives a blameless life,

does what is right,

and speaks honestly.

15:3 He does not slander,

or do harm to others,

or insult his neighbor.

15:4 He despises a reprobate,

but honors the Lord’s loyal followers.

He makes firm commitments and does not renege on his promise.

15:5 He does not charge interest when he lends his money.

He does not take bribes to testify against the innocent.

The one who lives like this will never be upended.

Psalm 16

A prayer of David.

16:1 Protect me, O God, for I have taken shelter in you.

16:2 I say to the Lord, “You are the Lord,

my only source of well-being.”

16:3 As for God’s chosen people who are in the land,

and the leading officials I admired so much –

16:4 their troubles multiply,

they desire other gods.

I will not pour out drink offerings of blood to their gods,

nor will I make vows in the name of their gods.

16:5 Lord, you give me stability and prosperity;

you make my future secure.

16:6 It is as if I have been given fertile fields

or received a beautiful tract of land.

16:7 I will praise the Lord who guides me;

yes, during the night I reflect and learn.

16:8 I constantly trust in the Lord;

because he is at my right hand, I will not be upended.

16:9 So my heart rejoices

and I am happy;

My life is safe.

16:10 You will not abandon me to Sheol;

you will not allow your faithful follower to see the Pit.

16:11 You lead me in the path of life;

I experience absolute joy in your presence;

you always give me sheer delight.