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.” Unto thee, O Lord, will I call; O my rock, turn not unheeding from me: lest thou turn away silent from me, and I become like those that go down 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 the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward the most holy place of thy 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.

Snatch me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of injustice, who speak peace with their neighbors, with mischief in their heart.

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 unto them according to their doing, and according to the evil of their deeds; according to the work of their hands do thou give unto them: bestow their [just] recompense on them.

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.

Because they have no regard for the doings of the Lord, nor the works of his hands: may he pull them down, and not build them up.

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

Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.

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; in him hath my heart trusted, and I am helped, and my heart exulteth; and with my song will I thank him.

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

The Lord is strength unto them, and he is the fortress of victory of his anointed.

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

Help thy people, and bless thy heritage: and feed them, and exalt them unto all eternity.