11. The lord knows people’s thoughts;he knows they are worthless!
12. Joyful are those you discipline, lord,those you teach with your instructions.
13. You give them relief from troubled timesuntil a pit is dug to capture the wicked.
14. The lord will not reject his people;he will not abandon his special possession.
15. Judgment will again be founded on justice,and those with virtuous hearts will pursue it.
16. Who will protect me from the wicked?Who will stand up for me against evildoers?
17. Unless the lord had helped me,I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.
18. I cried out, “I am slipping!”but your unfailing love, O lord, supported me.
19. When doubts filled my mind,your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
20. Can unjust leaders claim that God is on their side—leaders whose decrees permit injustice?
21. They gang up against the righteousand condemn the innocent to death.
22. But the lord is my fortress;my God is the mighty rock where I hide.
23. God will turn the sins of evil people back on them.He will destroy them for their sins.The lord our God will destroy them.