[1] O LORD my God, in you I have taken shelter. Deliver me from all who chase me. Rescue me! [2] Otherwise they will rip me to shreds like a lion; they will tear me to bits and no one will be able to rescue me. [3] O LORD my God, if I have done what they say, or am guilty of unjust actions, [4] or have wronged my ally, or helped his lawless enemy, [5] may an enemy relentlessly chase me and catch me; may he trample me to death and leave me lying dishonored in the dust. (Selah) [6] Stand up angrily, LORD. Rise up with raging fury against my enemies. Wake up for my sake, and execute the judgment you have decreed for them. [7] The countries are assembled all around you; take once more your rightful place over them. [8] The LORD judges the nations. Vindicate me, LORD, because I am innocent, because I am blameless, O Exalted One. [9] May the evil deeds of the wicked come to an end. But make the innocent secure, O righteous God, you who examine inner thoughts and motives. [10] The Exalted God is my shield, the one who delivers the morally upright. [11] God is a just judge; he is angry throughout the day. [12] If a person does not repent, God will wield his sword. He has prepared to shoot his bow. [13] He has prepared deadly weapons to use against him; he gets ready to shoot flaming arrows. [14] See the one who is pregnant with wickedness, who conceives destructive plans, and gives birth to harmful lies- [15] he digs a pit and then falls into the hole he has made. [16] He becomes the victim of his own destructive plans-and the violence he intended for others falls on his own head. [17] I will thank the LORD for his justice; I will sing praises to the LORD Most High!
