Psalm 11
I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, "Fly like a bird to your mountain. Like hunters, the wicked string their bows. They set their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from dark places at those who are honest. When all this is good falls apart, what can good people do?" The Lord is in his holy temple. The Lord sits on his throne in heaven. And he sees what people de. He keeps his eye on them. The Lord tests those who do right. But he hates the wicked and those who love to hurt others. He will send hot coals on the wicked. Burning sulfur and a whirlwind is what they will get. The Lord does what is right, and he loves justice. So honest people will see his face.
Psalm 12
Save me, Lord, because the good people are all gone. No true believers are left on earth. Everyone lies to his neighbors. They say one thing and mean another. The Lord will stop those lying lips. He will cut off those bragging tongues. They say, "Our tongues will help us win. We can say what we wish. No one is our master." But the Lord says, "I will now rise up because the poor are being hurt. Because of the moans of the helpless, I will give them the help they want." The Lord's words are pure. They are like silver purified by fire, like silver purified seven times over. Lord keep us safe. Always protect us from such people. The wicked are all around us. Everyone loves what is wrong.
Psalm 13
How long will you forget me. Lord? How long will you hide from me? Forever? How long must I worry? How long must I feel sad in my heart? How long will my enemy win over me? Lord, look at me. Answer me, my God. Tell me, or I will die. Otherwise my enemy will say,"I have won!" Those against me will rejoice that I've been defeated. I trust in your love. My heart is happy because you saved me. I sing to the Lord because he has taken care of me.
Psalm 14
A wicked fool says to himself, "There is no God." Fools are evil. They do terrible things. None of them does anything good. The Lord looked down from heaven at all the people. He looks to see if anyone was wise, if anyone was looking to God for help. But all have turned away. Together, everyone has become evil. None of them does anything good. Don't the wicked understand? They destroy my people as if they were eating bread. They do not ask the Lord for help. But the wicked are filled with terror because God is with those who do what is right. The wicked upset the plans of the poor. But hte Lord will protect the poor. I pray that victory will come to Israel from Mount Zion! May the Lord give them back their riches. Then the people of Jacob will rejoice. And the people of Israel will be glad.
Psalm 15
Lord who may enter your Holy Tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? Only a person who is innocent and who does what is right. He must speak the truth from his heart. He must not tell lies about others. He must do not wrong to his neighbors. He must not gossip. He must not respect hateful people. He must honor those who honor the Lord. He must keep his promises to his neighbor, even when it hurts. He must not charge interest on money he lends. And he must not take money to hurt innocent people. Whoever does all these things will never be destroyed.
