Psalms 146:1-10
The chapter begins with a call to praise God, emphasizing that even in life, one should give thanks and sing praises to their creator. It then warns against trusting in human leaders, as they are mortal and fleeting. The psalm concludes by praising God's justice, provision, and care for the needy.
This chapter is notable due to its emphasis on God's sovereignty and care for all people, particularly the vulnerable, which has been a central theme in Christian social ethics and advocacy.
1Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.
2While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
3Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
4His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
5Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:
6Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
7Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners:
8The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:
9The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
10The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord.