[1] You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. [2] You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. [3] You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. [4] Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, [5] and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. [6] I can't understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me. [7] Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? [8] If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there. [9] Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. [10] Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me. [11] Or suppose I said, "I'll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over." [12] But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you. [13] You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body, [14] and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. [15] Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, [16] but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. [17] Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. [18] I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby. [19] How I wish that you would kill all cruel and heartless people and protect me from them! [20] They are always rebelling and speaking evil of you. [21] You know I hate anyone who hates you, LORD, and refuses to obey. [22] They are my enemies too, and I truly hate them. [23] Look deep into my heart, God, and find out everything I am thinking. [24] Don't let me follow evil ways, but lead me in the way that time has proven true.
