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.

²Listen 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.

⁴Give 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.

⁵They 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.

⁷The 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.

⁹Save your people!

Bless Israel, your special possession.^a

Lead them like a shepherd,

and carry them in your arms forever.