1“A psalm of David, which he sang to Jehovah, on account of the reproaches of Cush the Benjamite.” O Jehovah, my God! to thee do I look for help; Save me from them that persecute me, and deliver me!

2Lest mine enemy tear me like a lion; Lest he rend me in pieces, while there is none to help.

3O Jehovah, my God! if I have done this,—If there be iniquity upon my hands,

4If I have rendered evil to my friend, Or have despoiled him that without cause is mine enemy,—

5Let my adversary pursue and take me; Let him trample me to the ground, And lay me prostrate in the dust! [[Pause.]]

6Arise, O LORD! in thine anger; Lift thyself up against the rage of mine enemies; Awake for me, ordain judgment!

7Let the assembly of the nations compass thee about, And on their account return to the height!

8The LORD judgeth the nations; Judge me, O LORD! according to my righteousness, And requite me according to my integrity!

9Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked be at an end; But establish the righteous! For the righteous God trieth the heart and the reins.

10My shield is with God, Who saveth the upright in heart.

11God is a righteous judge, And a God who is angry every day.

12If he do not desist, He sharpeneth his sword; He bendeth his bow, and maketh it ready;

13He prepareth for him the instruments of death; He shooteth his burning arrows.

14Behold, he travailed with iniquity, And conceived mischief, But hath brought forth disappointment!

15He made a pit and digged it. And is fallen into the ditch which he made.

16His mischief returneth upon his own head, And his violence cometh down upon his own skull.

17I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness; I will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.