If the Lord himself had not been on our side, now may Israel say  *

if the Lord himself had not been on our side, when men rose up against us;

They had swallowed us up quick *

when thy were so wrathfully displeased at us.

Yea, the waters had drowned us *

and the stream had gone over our soul.

The deep waters of the proud *

had gone even over our soul.

But praised be the Lord *

who hath not given us over for a prey unto their teeth.

Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler *

the snare is broken, and we are delivered .

Our help standeth in the Name of the Lord *

who hath made heaven and earth.

They that put their trust in the Lord shall be even as the mount Sion  *

which may not be removed, but standeth fast for ever.

The hills stand about Jerusalem *

even so standeth the Lord round about his people, from this time forth for evermore.

For the rod of the ungodly cometh not into the lot of the righteous *

lest the righteous put their hand unto wickedness.

Do well, O Lord *

unto those that are good and true of heart.

As for such as turn back unto their own wickedness *

the Lord shall lead them forth with the evil-doers; but peace shall be upon Israel.

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion  *

then were we like unto them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter *

and our tongue with joy.

Then said they among the heathen *

The Lord hath done great things for them.

Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already *

whereof we rejoice.

Turn our captivity, O Lord *

as the rivers in the south.

They that sow in tears *

shall reap in joy.

He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed *

shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.

Except the Lord build the house  *

their labour is but lost that build it.

Except the Lord keep the city *

the watchman waketh but in vain.

It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness *

for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Lo, children and the fruit of the womb *

are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.

Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant *

even so are the young children.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them *

they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.