Psalm 16-17

Contemporary English Version

³ Your people are wonderful,
    and they make me happy,^[a]
4 but worshipers of other gods
    will have much sorrow.^[b]
I refuse to offer sacrifices
of blood to those gods
    or worship in their name.

⁵ You, Lord, are all I want!
You are my choice,
    and you keep me safe.
⁶ You make my life pleasant,
    and my future is bright.

⁷ I praise you, Lord,
    for being my guide.
Even in the darkest night,
    your teachings fill my mind.
^8 (A) I will always look to you,
as you stand beside me
    and protect me from fear.
⁹ With all my heart,
I will celebrate,
    and I can safely rest.

^10 (B) I am your chosen one.
You won't leave me in the grave
    or let my body decay.
¹¹ You have shown me
    the path to life,
and you make me glad
    by being near to me.
Sitting at your right side,^[c]
    I will always be joyful.

³ You know my heart,
    and even during the night
you have tested me
    and found me innocent.
I have made up my mind
    never to tell a lie.
⁴ I don't do like others.
I obey your teachings
    and am not cruel.
⁵ I have followed you,
    without ever stumbling.

⁶ I pray to you, God,
    because you will help me.
Listen and answer my prayer!
⁷     Show your wonderful love.
Your mighty arm protects those
who run to you for safety
    from their enemies.
⁸ Protect me as you would
    your very own eyes;
hide me in the shadow
    of your wings.

⁹ Don't let my brutal enemies
attack from all sides
    and kill me.
¹⁰ They refuse to show mercy,
    and they keep bragging.

¹¹ They have caught up with me!
    My enemies are everywhere,
eagerly hoping to smear me
    in the dirt.
¹² They are like hungry lions
    hunting for food,
or like young lions
    hiding in ambush.

¹³ Do something, Lord!
    Attack and defeat them.
Take your sword and save me
    from those evil people.
¹⁴ Use your powerful arm
    and rescue me
from the hands of mere humans
    whose world won't last.^[d]

You provide food
    for those you love.
Their children have plenty,
and their grandchildren
    will have more than enough.

¹⁵ I am innocent, Lord,
    and I will see your face!
When I awake, all I want
    is to see you as you are.