English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
1
I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.
2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
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I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:
3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
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Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
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God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
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Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
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When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
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God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.
8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
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Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see - how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.
9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!
9
Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
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Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God.
11 Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
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Come, children, listen closely; I'll give you a lesson in God worship.
12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?
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Who out there has a lust for life? Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?
13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
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Guard your tongue from profanity, and no more lying through your teeth.
14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
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Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace - don't let it get away!
15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.
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God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan.
16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
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God won't put up with rebels; he'll cull them from the pack.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
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Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
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If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
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Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.
20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
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He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone; not even a finger gets broken.
21 Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
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The wicked commit slow suicide; they waste their lives hating the good.
22 The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
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God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.
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.