Psalms Chapter 16 (KJV)
Psalms 16
Trust and Refuge in GodGod as Inheritance and PortionHope in ResurrectionJoy in God's PresenceSeparation from Idolatry
[Michtam of David.] Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. {Michtam: or, A golden Psalm}
{O my soul}, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou {art} my Lord: my goodness {extendeth} not to thee;
{But} to the saints that {are} in the earth, and {to} the excellent, in whom {is} all my delight.
Their 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. {hasten...: or, give gifts to another}
The LORD {is} the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. {of mine...: Heb. of my part}
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant {places}; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
I have set the LORD always before me: because {he is} at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. {rest...: Heb. dwell confidently}
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence {is} fulness of joy; at thy right hand {there are} pleasures for evermore.
Context & Meaning
Psalm 16 is David's personal declaration of complete trust in God as his protector and inheritance. He affirms that true goodness is found in God's saints and expresses his commitment to always keep God before him, resulting in a heart full of gladness and hope. The psalm culminates in the assurance of resurrection and eternal life in God's presence.