[1] Blessed is the one who has concern for helpless people. The LORD will rescue him in times of trouble. [2] The LORD will protect him and keep him alive. He will be blessed in the land. Do not place him at the mercy of his enemies. [3] The LORD will support him on his sickbed. You will restore this person to health when he is ill. [4] I said, "O LORD, have pity on me! Heal my soul because I have sinned against you." [5] My enemies say terrible things about me: "When will he die, and when will his family name disappear?" [6] When one of them comes to visit me, he speaks foolishly. His heart collects gossip. Then he leaves to tell others. [7] Everyone who hates me whispers about me. They think evil things about me and say, [8] "A devilish disease has attached itself to him. He will never leave his sickbed." [9] Even my closest friend whom I trusted, the one who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. [10] Have pity on me, O LORD! Raise me up so that I can pay them back [11] and my enemy cannot shout in triumph over me. When you do this, I know that you are pleased with me. [12] You defend my integrity, and you set me in your presence forever. [13] Thank the LORD God of Israel through all eternity! Amen and amen!
