Psalm 28

A psalm of David. ¹I pray to you, O LORD, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die. ² Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

³Do not drag me away with the wicked— with those who do evil— those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts. ⁴ Give them the punishment they so richly deserve! Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness. Pay them back for all their evil deeds! Give them a taste of what they have done to others. ⁵ They care nothing for what the LORD has done or for what his hands have made. So he will tear them down, and they will never be rebuilt!

⁶Praise the LORD! For he has heard my cry for mercy. ⁷ The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

⁸The LORD gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king. ⁹ Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Hebrew Bless your inheritance. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever.