1O LORD my God , in thee do I put my trust : save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: 2Lest he tear my soul like a lion , rending it in pieces , while there is none to deliver .
The Accusation and the Response
3O LORD my God , if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands ; 4If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy :) 5Let the enemy persecute my soul , and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth , and lay mine honour in the dust . Selah .
God's Righteous Judgment
6Arise , O LORD , in thine anger , lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies : and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded . 7So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about : for their sakes therefore return thou on high . 8The LORD shall judge the people : judge me, O LORD , according to my righteousness , and according to mine integrity that is in me. 9Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end ; but establish the just : for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins .
The Fate of the Wicked
10My defence is of God , which saveth the upright in heart . 11God judgeth the righteous , and God is angry with the wicked every day . 12If he turn not, he will whet his sword ; he hath bent his bow , and made it ready . 13He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death ; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors . 14Behold, he travaileth with iniquity , and hath conceived mischief , and brought forth falsehood . 15He made a pit , and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made . 16His mischief shall return upon his own head , and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate .
A Song of Praise
17I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness : and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high .