139:1   (A psalm by David for the music leader.) You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me.

139:2   You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.

139:3   You notice everything I do and everywhere I go.

139:4   Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say,

139:5   and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side.

139:6   I can't understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.

139:7   Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight?

139:8   If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there.

139:9   Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean.

139:10   Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me.

139:11   Or suppose I said, "I'll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over."

139:12   But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you.

139:13   You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body,

139:14   and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt.

139:15   Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below,

139:16   but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do.

139:17   Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine.

139:18   I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.

139:19   How I wish that you would kill all cruel and heartless people and protect me from them!

139:20   They are always rebelling and speaking evil of you.

139:21   You know I hate anyone who hates you, LORD, and refuses to obey.

139:22   They are my enemies too, and I truly hate them.

139:23   Look deep into my heart, God, and find out everything I am thinking.

139:24   Don't let me follow evil ways, but lead me in the way that time has proven true.