Psalm 5

  1. Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.
  2. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
  3. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
  4. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
  5. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
  6. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
  7. But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
  8. Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
  9. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
  10. Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
  11. But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
  12. For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.


Psalm 5 expresses the psalmist’s deep longing for God’s guidance, protection, and justice. It begins with a plea for God to hear their prayer and consider their thoughts and words. The psalmist affirms their commitment to prayer, directing their voice to God each morning, seeking His guidance and intervention.

The psalmist contrasts the righteous nature of God with the wickedness of humanity. They acknowledge God’s aversion to evil and deceit, expressing confidence that He will judge and destroy the wicked. Despite the prevalence of wickedness, the psalmist finds refuge and assurance in God’s mercy and righteousness.

Furthermore, the psalmist appeals to God to lead them in righteousness and to make their path straight in the face of enemies. They denounce the deceitful and wicked ways of their adversaries, calling upon God to bring judgment upon them.

In conclusion, Psalm 5 is a prayer for God’s protection, guidance, and justice. It invites believers to trust in God’s righteousness and to find joy and security in His steadfast love and favor. It serves as a reminder of the blessings bestowed upon the righteous and the assurance of God’s divine protection.