English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
1
Listen while I build my case, God, the most honest prayer you'll ever hear.
2 From your presence let my vindication come! Let your eyes behold the right!
2
Show the world I'm innocent - in your heart you know I am.
3 You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
3
Go ahead, examine me from inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night - You'll find I'm just what I say I am. My words don't run loose.
4 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
4
I'm not trying to get my way in the world's way. I'm trying to get your way, your Word's way.
5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
5
I'm staying on your trail; I'm putting one foot In front of the other. I'm not giving up.
6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.
6
I call to you, God, because I'm sure of an answer. So - answer! bend your ear! listen sharp!
7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.
7
Paint grace-graffiti on the fences; take in your frightened children who Are running from the neighborhood bullies straight to you.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
8
Keep your eye on me; hide me under your cool wing feathers
9 from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
9
From the wicked who are out to get me, from mortal enemies closing in.
10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
10
Their hearts are hard as nails, their mouths blast hot air.
11 They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
11
They are after me, nipping my heels, determined to bring me down,
12 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.
12
Lions ready to rip me apart, young lions poised to pounce.
13 Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
13
Up, God: beard them! break them! By your sword, free me from their clutches;
14 from men by your hand, O LORD, from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants.
14
Barehanded, God, break these mortals, these flat-earth people who can't think beyond today. I'd like to see their bellies swollen with famine food, The weeds they've sown harvested and baked into famine bread, With second helpings for their children and crusts for their babies to chew on.
15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
15
And me? I plan on looking you full in the face. When I get up, I'll see your full stature and live heaven on earth.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.