34:1   (Written by David when he pretended to be crazy in front of Abimelech, so that Abimelech would send him away, and David could leave.) I will always praise the LORD.

34:2   With all my heart, I will praise the LORD. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad.

34:3   Honor the LORD with me! Celebrate his great name.

34:4   I asked the LORD for help, and he saved me from all my fears.

34:5   Keep your eyes on the LORD! You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame.

34:6   I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the LORD saved me from all my troubles.

34:7   If you honor the LORD, his angel will protect you.

34:8   Discover for yourself that the LORD is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad.

34:9   Honor the LORD! You are his special people. No one who honors the LORD will ever be in need.

34:10   Young lions may go hungry or even starve, but if you trust the LORD, you will never miss out on anything good.

34:11   Come, my children, listen as I teach you to respect the LORD.

34:12   Do you want to live and enjoy a long life?

34:13   Then don't say cruel things and don't tell lies.

34:14   Do good instead of evil and try to live at peace.

34:15   If you obey the LORD, he will watch over you and answer your prayers.

34:16   But God despises evil people, and he will wipe them all from the earth, till they are forgotten.

34:17   When his people pray for help, he listens and rescues them from their troubles.

34:18   The LORD is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope.

34:19   The LORD's people may suffer a lot, but he will always bring them safely through.

34:20   Not one of their bones will ever be broken.

34:21   Wicked people are killed by their own evil deeds, and if you hate God's people you will be punished.

34:22   The LORD saves the lives of his servants. Run to him for protection, and you won't be punished.