1 You, Lord God,

are my protector.

Rescue me and keep me safe

from all who chase me.

2 Or else they will rip me apart

like lions attacking a victim,

and no one will save me.

3 I am innocent, Lord God!

4 I have not betrayed a friend

or had pity on an enemy*

who attacks for no reason.

5 If I have done any of this,

then let my enemies

chase and capture me.

Let them trample me to death

and leave me in the dirt.

6 Get angry, Lord God!

Do something!

Attack my furious enemies.

See that justice is done.

7 Make the nations come to you,

as you sit on your throne*

above them all.

8 Our Lord, judge the nations!

Judge me and show that I

am honest and innocent.

9 * You know every heart and mind,

and you always do right.

Now make violent people stop,

but protect all of us

who obey you.

10 You, God, are my shield,

the protector of everyone

whose heart is right.

11 You see that justice is done,

and each day

you take revenge.

12 Whenever your enemies refuse

to change their ways,

you sharpen your sword

and string your bow.

13 Your deadly arrows are ready

with flaming tips.

14 An evil person is like a woman

about to give birth

to a hateful, deceitful,

and rebellious child.

15 * Such people dig a deep hole,

then fall in it themselves.

16 The trouble they cause

comes back on them,

and their heads are crushed

by their own evil deeds.

17 I will praise you, Lord!

You always do right.

I will sing about you,

the Lord Most High.