[1] To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. [2]
Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication!
[3] Attend to me, and answer me; I am overcome by my trouble. I am
distraught [4] by the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the
wicked. For they bring trouble upon me, and in anger they cherish enmity
against me. [5] My heart is in anguish within me, the terrors of death have
fallen upon me. [6] Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms
me. [7] And I say, "O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be
at rest; [8] yea, I would wander afar, I would lodge in the wilderness,
[Selah] [9] I would haste to find me a shelter from the raging wind and
tempest." [10] Destroy their plans, O Lord, confuse their tongues; for I
see violence and strife in the city. [11] Day and night they go around it
on its walls; and mischief and trouble are within it, [12] ruin is in its
midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its market place. [13] It is
not an enemy who taunts me-- then I could bear it; it is not an adversary
who deals insolently with me-- then I could hide from him. [14] But it is
you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. [15] We used to hold sweet
converse together; within God's house we walked in fellowship. [16] Let
death come upon them; let them go down to Sheol alive; let them go away in
terror into their graves. [17] But I call upon God; and the LORD will save
me. [18] Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and
he will hear my voice. [19] He will deliver my soul in safety from the
battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. [20] God will give
ear, and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old; because they keep no
law, and do not fear God. [Selah] [21] My companion stretched out his hand
against his friends, he violated his covenant. [22] His speech was smoother
than butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet
they were drawn swords. [23] Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will
sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. [ (Psalms
55:24) But thou, O God, wilt cast them down into the lowest pit; men of
blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in
thee. ]
