[1] I plead with you to help me, Lord, for you are my Rock of safety. If you refuse to answer me, I might as well give up and die. [2] Lord, I lift my hands to heaven and implore your help. Oh, listen to my cry. [3] Don't punish me with all the wicked ones who speak so sweetly to their neighbors while planning to murder them. [4] Give them the punishment they so richly deserve! Measure it out to them in proportion to their wickedness; paythem back for all their evil deeds. [5] They care nothing for God or what he has done or what he has made; therefore God will dismantle them like old buildings, never to be rebuilt again. [6] Oh, praise the Lord, for he has listened to my pleadings! [7] He is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trusted in him, and he helped me. Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to him. [8] The Lord protects his people and gives victory to his anointed king. [9] Defend your people, Lord; defend and bless your chosen ones. Lead them like a shepherd and carry them forever in your arms.
