Psalms 7

A song[30] of David that he sang to the Lord. This song is about Kish[31] from the tribe of Benjamin.

<1> Lord my God, I come to you for protection.

Save me from those who are chasing me.

<2> If you don't help me,

I will be like an animal caught by a lion.

I will be carried away, with no one to save me.

<3> Lord my God, I swear,

I have done nothing wrong.

<4> I have done nothing to hurt a friend[32]

or to help his enemies.

<5> If that is not true, then punish me.

Let an enemy chase me, catch me, and kill me.

Let him grind me into the dirt and put me in my grave.

Selah[33]

<6> Lord, get up[34] and show your anger!

My enemy is angry, so stand and fight against him.

Get me the justice that you demand.

<7> Take your place as judge.

Gather the nations around you,

<8> and Lord, judge the people.

Lord, judge me.

Prove that I am right.

Prove that I am innocent.

<9> Stop those who do evil.

Support those who do good.

God, you are fair.

You know what people are thinking.

<10> God helps good people,

so he will protect me.

<11> God is a good judge.

He always condemns evil.

<12-13> If the wicked will not change,

then God is ready to punish them.

He has prepared his deadly weapons.

His sword is sharp.

His bow is strung, drawn back, and ready to shoot its flaming arrow.

<14> The minds of the wicked are full of evil;

they conceive their wicked plans,

which give birth to lies.

<15> They dig a pit to trap others,

but they are the ones who will fall into it.

<16> The trouble they cause

will come back on themselves.

They plan harm for others,

but they are the ones who will get hurt.

<17> I praise the Lord because he is good.

I praise the name of the Lord Most High.