A psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

Turn toward me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and oppressed!

Examine me, O Lord, and test me! Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives!

I hate the mob of evil men, and do not associate with the wicked.

We wait for the Lord; he is our deliverer and shield.

Turn away from evil and do what is right! Strive for peace and promote it!

When I tripped, they taunted me relentlessly, and tried to bite me.

Sinful rebels are totally destroyed; evil men have no future.

For your arrows pierce me, and your hand presses me down.

I will declare a wise saying; I will share my profound thoughts.

You do damage with words, and use your tongue to deceive.

You love to use all the words that destroy, and the tongue that deceives.

When the godly see this, they will be filled with awe, and will mock the evildoer, saying:

Sing praises about the majesty of his reputation! Give him the honor he deserves!

For you, O God, tested us; you purified us like refined silver.

However, God heard; he listened to my prayer.

The earth yields its crops. May God, our God, bless us!

May God bless us! Then all the ends of the earth will give him the honor he deserves.

I weep and refrain from eating food, which causes others to insult me.

I wear sackcloth and they ridicule me.