King James Version
Psalm 138
Grateful devotion fills this personal hymn of thanks, opening a final cluster of eight Davidic psalms (Psalms 138 through 145). David praises God before earthly powers, giving thanks for answered prayer, inner strength, and enduring truth. The psalm notes that although God is exalted, attention is given to the humble rather than the proud. Placed near the conclusion of the Psalter, it anchors private gratitude within a universal perspective. A key verse reflects this balanced view: "Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly" (Psalm 138:6). The text encourages persistent trust through trouble.
1 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
6 Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
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