Psalms 40:2-17

²From the horrible pit he drew me, up out of the miry clay; he set my feet on a rock, and my steps he made firm.

³He put a new song in my mouth, of praise to our God. Many see it, and, filled with awe, put their trust in the Lord.

⁴Happy the person who has put in the Lord their trust, not looking to false gods or turning to idols.

⁵With us you have wrought in rich measure, O Lord our God, your marvels and purposes for us — none may compare with you — were I to declare or to tell them, past counting are they.

⁶In offerings bloody or bloodless you have no delight, but with open ears you have made me. Burnt-offering and offering for sin are not what you ask.

⁷Then said I, “Here I am, as the roll of the book has enjoined.

⁸My delight, O God, is to do your will, and your law is within my heart.”

⁹Well, O Lord, you know that, with lips unrestrained, your righteousness I told in the great congregation,

¹⁰not hiding it in my heart. I have told of your steadfast help, from the great congregation I hid not your love and your faithfulness.

¹¹So do not restrain, Lord, your pity from us. Your love and your faithfulness — ever may they be our shield.

¹²For evils that cannot be numbered have compassed me round. My transgressions have followed me up — I can bear it no more. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has forsaken me.

¹³O Lord, be pleased to deliver me, haste to my help, O Lord.

¹⁴May those who are seeking my life be ashamed and confounded together; may those who delight in my hurt be defeated and brought to dishonour.

¹⁵May those who hurrah over me be dumbfounded because of their shame.

¹⁶But may all who seek after you rejoice and be glad in you. May all those eager for your aid, say, “Great is the Lord” evermore.

¹⁷I am weak and needy, yet the Lord cares for me. You are my help and deliverer; don't delay, my God.