28

1 To you, Yahweh, I cry out;

my rock, do not ignore me.
If you do not respond to me,
I will join those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear the sound of my pleading
when I call for help from you,
when I lift up my hands
toward your most holy place!

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
those who behave wickedly,
who speak peace with their neighbors
but have evil in their hearts.
4 Give them what their deeds deserve
and repay them what their wickedness demands;
repay them for the work of their hands
and render to them their due.

5 Because they do not understand the deeds of Yahweh
or the work of his hands,
he will break them down
and never rebuild them.

6 Blessed be Yahweh
because he has heard the sound of my pleading!
7 Yahweh is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
and I will praise him with singing.

8 Yahweh is the strength of his people,
and he is the saving refuge of his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance.
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.