The eternal child in man is an optimist and an idealist. If so, it is fitting that we commence this psalter with songs of innocence and expectation. There are not very many since the Psalmist, of necessity, was a realist. Indeed, to find a psalm of innocence, we must conclude this brief prologue with Micah's song. He, believing that 'nations will beat their swords into ploughshares nor learn war anymore' could have a childlike faith.

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Psalm #1
(in memory of John A. Burns)
Blessed is that man
who with scorners, sitteth not,
but delights in Law.
He shall be a supple tree;
his leaf green, fruit in season.

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Psalm 111
(a song of homage)

The fear ofthe Lord;
the beginning of wisdom.
His works are mighty,
great, glorious, gracious, sure,
ever filled with compassion.

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Psalm #26
(a song for hikers)

Shod in truth and trust
my feet stand on even ground.
Thus, I shall not slip.
Hands washed in innocency,
walking in integrity.

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Psalm 24
(a song for honest politicians)

Founded on the floods,
established on the seas,
the earth is the Lord's.
Who shall ascend to his hills?
He that hath clean hands, pure heart.

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Psalm #34
(an admonition)

Depart from evil.
Do good. Seek peace, pursue it.
Oh taste and savor truth,
Thy tongue thus kept from evil
and thy lips from speaking guile.

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Psalm #37
(the perfect person)

Mark the perfect man.
He parts with evil, does good,
forsakes wrath, frets not.
Meek, mild, that man is peace.
He shall inherit the earth.

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Psalm #112
(a song for leaders)

Good men show favor,
discretely guiding affairs,
giving to the poor,
hearts established, trusting, fixed;
unafrid of evil news.

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Micah's Psalm
(the universal person)

Oh man, what is good,
and what is required of thee
but to do justice,
to walk with humility
and to live and love kindness.

Psalter Index*******Songs of Home Sweet Home.