For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

1Answer me when I call to you,

O God who declares me innocent.

Free me from my troubles.

Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2How long will you people ruin my reputation?

How long will you make groundless accusations?

How long will you continue your lies?

Interlude

3You can be sure of this:

The LORD set apart the godly for himself.

The LORD will answer when I call to him.

4Don’t sin by letting anger control you.

Think about it overnight and remain silent.

Interlude

5Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,

and trust the LORD.

6Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”

Let your face smile on us, LORD.

7You have given me greater joy

than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.

8In peace I will lie down and sleep,

for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.