[1] I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. [2] I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. [3] Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name. [4] For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears. [5] Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! [6] This poor man cried to the Lord-and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. [7] For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him. [8] Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him. [9] If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs. [10] Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing. [11] Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord. [12] Do you want a long, good life? [13] Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from lying. [14] Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it. [15] For the eyes of the Lord are intently watching all who live good lives, and he gives attention when they cry to him. [16] But the Lord has made up his mind to wipe out even the memory of evil men from the earth. [17] Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to him for help and saves him out of all his troubles. [18] The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. [19] The good man does not escape all troubles-he has them too. But the Lord helps him in each and every one. [20] Not one of his bones is broken. [21] Calamity will surely overtake the wicked; heavy penalties are meted out to those who hate the good. [22] But as for those who serve the Lord, he will redeem them; everyone who takes refuge in him will be freely pardoned.
