1 Defend me, Lord, from shame,
For still I trust in Thee:
As just and righteous is Thy name,
From danger set me free.

2 Bow down Thy gracious ear,
And speedy succor send:
Do Thou my steadfast rock appear,
To shelter and defend.

3 Since Thou, when foes oppress,
My rock and fortress art,
To guide me forth from this distress,
Thy wonted help impart.

4 Release me from the snare
Which they have closely laid;
Since I, O God my strength repair
To Thee alone for aid.

5 To Thee, the God of truth,
My life, and all that’s mine
(For Thou preserv’dst me from my youth,)
I willingly resign.

6 All vain designs I hate,
Of those that trust in lies:
And still my soul, in every state,
To God for succor flies.

7 Those mercies Thou hast shown,
I’ll cheerfully express;
For Thou hast seen my straits, and know
My soul in deep distress.

8 When Keilah’s treacherous race
Did all my strength enclose,
Thou gav’st my feet a larger space,
To shun my watchful foes.

9 Thy mercy, Lord, display,
And hear my just complaint;
For both my soul and flesh decay,
With grief and hunger faint.

10 Sad thoughts my life oppress;
My years are spent in groans;
My sins have made my strength decrease,
And e’en consumed my bones.

11 My foes my sufferings mocked,
My neighbors did upbraid;
My friends, at sight of me, were shocked,
And fled, as men dismayed.

12 Forsook by all am I,
As dead, and out of mind;
And like a shattered vessel lie,
Whose parts can ne’er be joined.

13 Yet slanderous words they speak,
And seem my power to dread;
Whilst they together counsel take
My guiltless blood to shed.

14 But still my steadfast trust,
I on Thy help repose:
That Thou, my God, art good and just,
My soul with comfort knows.

15 Whate’er events betide,
Thy wisdom times them all:
Then, Lord, Thy servant safely hide
From those that seek his fall.

16 The brightness of Thy face,
To me, O Lord, disclose;
And, as Thy mercies still increase,
Preserve me from my foes.

17 Me from dishonor save,
Who still have called on Thee;
Let that, and silence in the grave,
The sinner’s portion be.

18 Do Thou their tongues restrain;
Whose breath in lies is spent;
Who false reports, with proud disdain,
Against the righteous vent.

19 How great Thy mercies are
To such as fear Thy name;
Which Thou, for those that trust Thy care,
Dost to the world proclaim!

20 Thou keep’st them in Thy sight,
From proud oppressors free:
From tongues that do in strife delight,
They are preserved by Thee.

21 With glory and renown
God’s name be ever blessed;
Whose love as Keilah’s well-fenced town
Was wondrously expressed!

22 I said, in hasty flight,
I’m banished from Thine eyes;
Yet still Thou keptst me in Thy sight,
And heardst my earnest cries.

23 O! all ye saints, the Lord
With eager love pursue;
Who to the just will help afford,
And give the proud their due.

24 Ye that on God rely,
Courageously proceed;
For He will still your hearts supply
With strength, in time of need.