Hebrew Names Version HNV
The Message Bible MSG
1 <<A Prayer by David.>> Hear, LORD, my righteous plea; Give ear to my prayer, that doesn't go out of deceitful lips.
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Listen while I build my case, God, the most honest prayer you'll ever hear.
2 Let my sentence come forth from your presence; Let your eyes look on equity.
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Show the world I'm innocent - in your heart you know I am.
3 You have proved my heart; you have visited me in the night; You have tried me, and found nothing; I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey.
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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 As for the works of men, by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.
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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.
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I'm staying on your trail; I'm putting one foot In front of the other. I'm not giving up.
6 I have called on you, for you will answer me, God: Turn your ear to me. Hear my speech.
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I call to you, God, because I'm sure of an answer. So - answer! bend your ear! listen sharp!
7 Show your marvelous lovingkindness, You who save those who take refuge by your right hand from their enemies.
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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 under the shadow of your wings,
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Keep your eye on me; hide me under your cool wing feathers
9 From the wicked who oppress me, My deadly enemies, who compass me about.
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From the wicked who are out to get me, from mortal enemies closing in.
10 They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly.
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Their hearts are hard as nails, their mouths blast hot air.
11 They have now surrounded us in our steps. They set their eyes to cast us down to the eretz.
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They are after me, nipping my heels, determined to bring me down,
12 He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, As it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
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Lions ready to rip me apart, young lions poised to pounce.
13 Arise, LORD, Confront him, cast him down. Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword;
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Up, God: beard them! break them! By your sword, free me from their clutches;
14 From men by your hand, LORD, From men of the world, whose portion is in this life, Whose belly you fill with your treasure: They are satisfied with children, Leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
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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 see your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.
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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 Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.
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.