Psalms of Solomon 5

1 Lord God, I will praise your name with celebration among those who understand your righteous judgments.

2 You are kind and merciful, the poor person’s refuge. When I cry out to you, do not remain silent toward me.

3 [No one] takes spoils from a strong man. Who can take anything from all that you made unless you give it?

4 A person and his portion come from you in due measure; he cannot add to it beyond your judgment, God.

5 When we are afflicted, we will call on you for help, and you will not turn away our plea, because you are our God.

6 Do not make your hand heavy on us, so that we do not sin under compulsion.

7 Even if you do not restore us, we will not stay away; we will come to you.

8 If I am hungry, I will cry out to you, God, and you will give me food.

9 You feed the birds and the fish by giving rain to wildernesses so that green shoots grow.

10 You prepared food in the wilderness for every living thing, and when they are hungry, they lift their faces to you.

11 You feed kings, rulers, and peoples, God. Who is the hope of the poor and needy if not you, Lord?

12 You will listen, for who is kind and forbearing but you? You gladden the humble soul by opening your hand in mercy.

13 A person shows kindness sparingly and says, “Tomorrow.” If he gives a second time without grumbling, even that would astonish you.

14 But your gift is abundant, rich, and given with kindness. Whoever hopes in you will not hold back when giving.

15 Your mercy extends over the whole earth in kindness, Lord.

16 Blessed is the one whom God remembers by giving a measured sufficiency. If a person has far too much, he sins.

17 A moderate amount is enough when held in righteousness; with it, the Lord’s blessing brings complete satisfaction in righteousness.

18 May those who fear the Lord rejoice in good things, and may your kindness rest on Israel in your kingdom.

19 Blessed is the Lord’s glory, for he is our king.