1 You've searched me, LORD, and know me well,
2 my sitting, rising, all my thoughts.
3 You mark my path and where I rest;
you're well informed of all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it fully, gracious LORD!
5 You hem me in, behind, before;
yes, you have laid your hand on me.
6 Such knowledge is to deep for me,
too high for me to understand.
7 Where can I from your Spirit go?
Where can I from your presence flee?
8 You're there if I go up in space;
you're there if I lie down in depths.
9 If I speed on the wings of dawn
and settle on the sea's west side,
10 your hand will guide me even there,
yes, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If in deep trouble I should cry:
"Nothing but darkness is my plight,
around me light has turned to night,"
12 even the dark's not dark to you;
and thus the night is bright as day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 You're the creator of my life;
you wove me in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you for the way I'm made
awesome and wonderful it is .
Your works are truly wonderful,
and I am well aware of this.
15 My frame was not hid from your view
when i was made in secret place.
When I was woven in the womb
16 your eyes my unformed body saw.
And all the days ordained for me
were firstly written in your book.
17 How precious are your thoughts to me,
O God; how mighty is their sum!
18 Were I to count them, they'd be more
than all the grains of sand would be.
When I awaken from my sleep,
I find that I am still with you.
19 O that you'd slay the wicked, God!
Away from me, you ruthless ones.
20 They speak of you with evil aims;
your foes speak out deceitfully.
21 Do not I hate those hating you,
loathe those who rise against you, LORD?
22 I hate them with most perfect hate;
I count them as my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if a sinful way's in me,
lead in the everlasting way.