(Written by David.+ He sang this to the Lord because of Cush from the tribe of Benjamin.)

The Lord Always Does Right

1You, Lord God,

are my protector.

Rescue me and keep me safe

from all who chase me.

2Or else they will rip me apart

like lions attacking a victim,

and no one will save me.

3I am innocent, Lord God!

4I have not betrayed a friend

or had pity on an enemy+

who attacks for no reason.

5If 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.

6Get angry, Lord God!

Do something!

Attack my furious enemies.

See that justice is done.

7Make the nations come to you,

as you sit on your throne+

above them all.

8Our 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.

10You, God, are my shield,

the protector of everyone

whose heart is right.

11You see that justice is done,

and each day

you take revenge.

12Whenever your enemies refuse

to change their ways,

you sharpen your sword

and string your bow.

13Your deadly arrows are ready

with flaming tips.

14An 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.

16The trouble they cause

comes back on them,

and their heads are crushed

by their own evil deeds.

17I will praise you, Lord!

You always do right.

I will sing about you,

the Lord Most High.