Will you keep to the old path that evil men have walked –

My feet have followed his steps closely; I have kept to his way and have not turned aside.

“O that I could be as I was in the months now gone, in the days when God watched over me,

“Are you acquainted with the way the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch as the wild deer give birth to their young?

A prayer of David. Protect me, O God, for I have taken shelter in you.

As for the actions of people – just as you have commanded, I have not followed in the footsteps of violent men.

Protect me as you would protect the pupil of your eye! Hide me in the shadow of your wings!

For I have obeyed the Lord’s commands; I have not rebelled against my God.

Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there; those who obey them receive a rich reward.

Protect me and deliver me! Please do not let me be humiliated, for I have taken shelter in you!

He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Take note of the one who has integrity! Observe the godly! For the one who promotes peace has a future.

You are my source of strength! I will wait for you! For God is my refuge.

For my enemies talk about me; those waiting for a chance to kill me plot my demise.

They did not keep their covenant with God, and they refused to obey his law.

Yet they challenged and defied the sovereign God, and did not obey his commands.

if they break my rules and do not keep my commandments,

For he will order his angels to protect you in all you do.

so that they might keep his commands and obey his laws. Praise the Lord!

How blessed are those who promote justice, and do what is right all the time!