1 O Lord, that art my righteous Judge,

to my complaint give ear:

Thou still redeem'st me from distress;

have mercy, Lord, and hear.

2 How long will ye, O sons of men,

to blot my fame devise?

How long your vain designs pursue,

and spread malicious lies?

3 Consider, that the righteous man

is God's peculiar choice;

And when to him I make my pray'r,

he always hears my voice.

4 Then stand in awe of his commands,

flee ev'ry thing that's ill;

Commune in private with your hearts,

and bend them to his will.

5 The place of other sacrifice

let righteousness supply;

And let your hope, securely fixed,

on God alone rely.

6 While worldly minds impatient grow

more prosp'rous times to see,

Still let the glories of thy face

shine brightly, Lord, on me.

7 So shall my heart o'erflow with joy,

more lasting and more true,

Than theirs who stores of corn and wine

successively renew.

8 Then down in peace I'll lay my head,

and take my needful rest;

No other guard, O Lord, I crave,

of thy defense possessed.