The Bible, quoted
in its own voices.

Yes, they despised the pleasant land. They didn’t believe his word, but murmured in their tents, and didn’t listen to the LORD’s voice. Therefore he swore to them that he would overthrow them in the wilderness, that he would overthrow their offspring among the nations, and scatter them in the lands. They joined themselves also to Baal Peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. Thus they provoked him to anger with their deeds. The plague broke in on them. Then Phinehas stood up and executed judgment, so the plague was stopped. That was credited to him for righteousness, for all generations to come.

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving. Sing praises on the harp to our God, who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains. He provides food for the livestock, and for the young ravens when they call. He doesn’t delight in the strength of the horse. He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his loving kindness. Praise the LORD, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion! For he has strengthened the bars of your gates. He has blessed your children within you.

Who is like the LORD, our God, who has his seat on high, who stoops down to see in heaven and on the earth? He raises up the poor out of the dust, and lifts up the needy from the ash heap, that he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!

A Song of Ascents.

Out of the depths I have cried to you, LORD. Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my petitions. If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD. My soul waits. I hope in his word. My soul longs for the Lord more than watchmen long for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. Israel, hope in the LORD, for there is loving kindness with the LORD. Abundant redemption is with him. He will redeem Israel from all their sins.

He who implanted the ear, won’t he hear? He who formed the eye, won’t he see? He who disciplines the nations, won’t he punish? He who teaches man knows. The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. Blessed is the man whom you discipline, LORD, and teach out of your law, that you may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. For the LORD won’t reject his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. For judgment will return to righteousness. All the upright in heart shall follow it.

Sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD! Bless his name! Proclaim his salvation from day to day! Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

For the LORD has chosen Zion. He has desired it for his habitation. “This is my resting place forever. I will live here, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision. I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation. Her saints will shout aloud for joy. I will make the horn of David to bud there. I have ordained a lamp for my anointed. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but on himself, his crown will shine.”

It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to put confidence in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD, than to put confidence in princes. All the nations surrounded me, but in the LORD’s name I cut them off. They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me. In the LORD’s name I indeed cut them off. They surrounded me like bees. They are quenched like the burning thorns. In the LORD’s name I cut them off. You pushed me back hard, to make me fall, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song. He has become my salvation.

Let my cry come before you, LORD. Give me understanding according to your word. Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word. Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes. Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness. Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I have longed for your salvation, LORD. Your law is my delight. Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don’t forget your commandments.

A Song of Ascents.

I lift up my eyes to you, you who sit in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD, our God, until he has mercy on us. Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scoffing of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud.