Psalms 16
What Happens in This Chapter
This psalm is a song of David. He asks God to keep him safe, and says God is the best thing he has. He says no to other gods and their offerings. He is glad because God stays close to him, and he trusts God to show him the path of life.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
1Keep me safe, God. I hide in you and trust you.
2O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;
2I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord. Every good thing I have comes from you."
3But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
3God's people here on earth are wonderful. I am so glad they are my friends.
4Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.
4People who run after other gods will have more and more pain. I will not pour out their offerings of blood. I will not even say the names of their gods.
5The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
5The LORD is all I need. He is my share and my cup. He keeps what is mine safe.
A "portion" and a "cup" were words for the share of land or food a person was given. David means God himself is his share.
6The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
6My piece of land fell in a lovely spot. What I was given is very good.
Land was measured with long cords, called "lines." Where your lines fell showed which piece of land was yours.
7I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
7I will thank the LORD. He gives me good advice. Even at night my heart teaches me.
8I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
8I keep my eyes on the LORD all the time. He stands close by me, so nothing can knock me down.
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
9So my heart is happy, and I sing for joy. My body will rest and feel safe.
10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
10You will not leave me in the place of the dead. You will not let your Holy One rot in the grave.
The old word here is "hell," but in Hebrew it is "Sheol," which simply means the place where dead people go.
11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
11You show me the path of life. Being near you fills me with joy. At your side there is happiness that never ends.
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