1 We don't deserve praise!

The Lord alone deserves

all of the praise,

because of his love

and faithfulness.

2 * Why should the nations ask,

"Where is your God?"

3 Our God is in the heavens,

doing as he chooses.

4 * The idols of the nations

are made of silver and gold.

5 They have a mouth and eyes,

but they can't speak or see.

6 Their ears can't hear,

and their noses can't smell.

7 Their hands have no feeling,

their legs don't move,

and they can't make a sound.

8 Everyone who made the idols

and all who trust them

are just as helpless

as those useless gods.

9 People of Israel,

you must trust the Lord

to help and protect you.

10 Family of Aaron the priest,

you must trust the Lord

to help and protect you.

11 All of you worship the Lord,

so you must trust him

to help and protect you.

12 The Lord will not forget

to give us his blessing;

he will bless all of Israel

and the family of Aaron.

13 * All who worship the Lord,

no matter who they are,

will receive his blessing.

14 I pray that the Lord

will let your family

and your descendants

always grow strong.

15 May the Lord who created

the heavens and the earth

give you his blessing.

16 The Lord has kept the heavens

for himself,

but he has given the earth

to us humans.

17 The dead are silent

and cannot praise the Lord,

18 but we will praise him

now and forevermore.

Shout praises to the Lord!