Thou hast kept close guard before me and behind
and hast spread thy hand over me.
Such kowledge is beyond my understanding
so high that I cannot reach it.
Where can I escape from thy spirit?
Where can I flee from thy presence?
If I climb up to heaven thou art there;
if I make my bed in Sheol again I find thee.
If I take my flight to the frontiers of the morning
or dwell at the limit of the western sea,
even there thy hand will hold me fast
and thy right hand will hold me fast.
Surely darkness will steal over me
night will close around me,
darkness is no darkness for me,
and night is luminous as day,
to thee both dark and light are one.
Thou knowest me, through and through,
my body is no mystery to thee.
Examine me, O God, and know my thoughts;
test me, and understand my misgivings.
Watch lest I follow any path that grieves thee;
guide me in the ancient ways