1: (For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David.) Listen to my prayer, God. Don't hide yourself from my supplication. 2: Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan, 3: Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me. 4: My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me. 5: Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me. 6: I said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest. 7: Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness." Selah. 8: "I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and tempest." 9: Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, For I have seen violence and strife in the city. 10: Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her. 11: Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don't depart from her streets. 12: For it was not an enemy who insulted me, Then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, Then I would have hid myself from him. 13: But it was you, a man like me, My companion, and my familiar friend. 14: We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God's house with the throng. 15: Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them. 16: As for me, I will call on God. Yahweh will save me. 17: Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice. 18: He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, Although there are many who oppose me. 19: God, who is enthroned forever, Will hear, and answer them. Selah. They never change, Who don't fear God. 20: He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant. 21: His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. 22: Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved. 23: But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, But I will trust in you.
