Psalms 28

1 A psalm of David. Lord, my rock, I'm calling out to you. Please listen to me! For if you don't respond, I'll be like those who go down into the grave.

Of David. To You, O LORD, I call; be not deaf to me, O my Rock. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit.

2 Listen as I appeal for mercy, as I call for help, as I hold up my hands in prayer towards your holy Temple.

Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.

3 Don't drag me off with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak nicely to their neighbors while in their minds they're plotting evil.

Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts.

4 Give them what they deserve for their evil actions. Pay them back for what they've done. Give them the reward they've earned!

Repay them according to their deeds and for their works of evil. Repay them for what their hands have done; bring back on them what they deserve.

5 For they don't pay any attention to what the Lord does, or to what he created. So he will destroy them—they will never be restored.

Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD or what His hands have done, He will tear them down and never rebuild them.

6 Praise the Lord! For he has heard my appeal for mercy!

Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy.

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust in him and he helps me. I'm so happy, and I sing my thanks to him.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song.

8 The Lord gives strength to his people; he is a safe refuge for the one he has anointed.

The LORD is the strength of His people, a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.

9 Save your people! Bless your “special possession”! Be their shepherd and carry them in your arms forever!

Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever.