[1] You, LORD God, are my protector. Rescue me and keep me safe from all who chase me. [2] Or else they will rip me apart like lions attacking a victim, and no one will save me. [3] I am innocent, LORD God! [4] I have not betrayed a friend or had pity on an enemy who attacks for no reason. [5] If I have done any of this, then let my enemies chase and capture me. Let them stomp me to death and leave me in the dirt. [6] Get angry, LORD God! Do something! Attack my furious enemies. See that justice is done. [7] Make the nations come to you, as you sit on your throne above them all. [8] Our LORD, judge the nations! Judge me and show that I am honest and innocent. [9] You know every heart and mind, and you always do right. Now make violent people stop, but protect all of us who obey you. [10] You, God, are my shield, the protector of everyone whose heart is right. [11] You see that justice is done, and each day you take revenge. [12] Whenever your enemies refuse to change their ways, you sharpen your sword and string your bow. [13] Your deadly arrows are ready with flaming tips. [14] An evil person is like a woman about to give birth to a hateful, deceitful, and rebellious child. [15] Such people dig a deep hole, then fall in it themselves. [16] The trouble they cause comes back on them, and their heads are crushed by their own evil deeds. [17] I will praise you, LORD! You always do right. I will sing about you, the LORD Most High.
