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.
A Psalm of David himself. To you, Lord, I will cry out. My God, do not be silent toward me. For if you remain silent toward me, I will become like those who descend into 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, O Lord, the voice of my supplication, when I pray to you, when I lift up my hands toward your holy temple.
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 draw me away together with sinners; and let me not perish with those who work iniquity, who speak peacefully to their neighbor, yet evils are 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!
Give to them according to their works and according to the wickedness of their inventions. Assign to them according to the works of their hands. Repay them with their own retribution.
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 have not understood the works of the Lord and the works of his hands, you will destroy them, and you will not build them up.
6 Praise the Lord! For he has heard my appeal for mercy!
Blessed is the Lord, for he has heard the voice of my supplication.
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 helper and my protector. In him, my heart has hoped and I have been helped. And my flesh has flourished again. And from my will, I shall confess to him.
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 and the protector of the salvation of his Christ.
9 Save your people! Bless your “special possession”! Be their shepherd and carry them in your arms forever!
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance, and reign over them and exalt them, even unto eternity.
