1 “A psalm of David, which he sang to Jehovah, on account of the reproaches of Cush the Benjamite.” O Jehovah, my God! to thee do I look for help; Save me from them that persecute me, and deliver me! 2 Lest mine enemy tear me like a lion; Lest he rend me in pieces, while there is none to help. 3 O Jehovah, my God! if I have done this,—If there be iniquity upon my hands, 4 If I have rendered evil to my friend, Or have despoiled him that without cause is mine enemy,— 5 Let my adversary pursue and take me; Let him trample me to the ground, And lay me prostrate in the dust! Pause. 6 Arise, O LORD! in thine anger; Lift thyself up against the rage of mine enemies; Awake for me, ordain judgment! 7 Let the assembly of the nations compass thee about, And on their account return to the height! 8 The LORD judgeth the nations; Judge me, O LORD! according to my righteousness, And requite me according to my integrity! 9 Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked be at an end; But establish the righteous! For the righteous God trieth the heart and the reins. 10 My shield is with God, Who saveth the upright in heart. 11 God is a righteous judge, And a God who is angry every day. 12 If he do not desist, He sharpeneth his sword; He bendeth his bow, and maketh it ready; 13 He prepareth for him the instruments of death; He shooteth his burning arrows. 14 Behold, he travailed with iniquity, And conceived mischief, But hath brought forth disappointment! 15 He made a pit and digged it. And is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His mischief returneth upon his own head, And his violence cometh down upon his own skull. 17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness; I will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.