Psalm 109:1-31 VOICE

[1] O True God of my every praise, do not keep silent! [2] My enemies have opened their wicked, deceit-filled mouths and blown their foul breath on me. They have slandered me with their twisted tongues [3] And unleashed loathsome words that swirl around me. Though I have done nothing, they attack me. [4] Though I offer them love and keep them in my prayers, they accuse me; [5] Though I treat them well, they answer me with evil; though I give them love, they reply with a gesture of hatred. [6] Here's what they say: Find some evil scoundrel to go after him. Let's get some accuser to level charges against him. [7] At his trial, let's make sure he is found guilty so that even his prayers become evidence that convicts him. [8] Let his days be few, his life cut short; let another take over his position. [9] Lay waste to his family- let his children become orphans and his wife a widow. [10] Let his children wander the streets-his legacy, homeless beggars scavenging for food, [driven out of] the rubble and slums where they live. [11] Let the bankers take what is his; strangers help themselves to what little is left of all he's earned. [12] Let there be no one around to offer him compassion, nor anyone to give his fatherless children warmth or kindness. [13] Let his family line come to an end- no future generations to carry on his name! [14] Let the sins of his fathers be remembered before the Eternal, and the sins of his mother never be erased. [15] Let their offenses always be before the Eternal so that the memory of this family is long forgotten by all the people of the earth, [16] Because it never occurred to him to show compassion; instead, he oppressed the poor, afflicted, and brokenhearted and sent them to their death. [17] He loved to invoke a curse-so let his curses come back to him. He preferred not to speak a blessing-so let all blessings be far from him. [18] He wrapped himself with cursing, draped around him like a cape; may it flood his body like water and seep into his bones like oil. [19] Let those curses wrap around him like a cloak on a cold night, like a belt tightly knotted around him every day. [20] Let the Eternal so reward my accusers, all those who speak and plot evil against me. [21] But You, my Master, the Eternal, treat me with kindness for the sake of Your name, the good of Your reputation; because Your unfailing love is so good, O deliver me! [22] You see, I am poor and needy, and my heart is broken inside me. [23] My life is fading away like a shadow that vanishes in the evening; I am like a locust easily brushed off the shoulder. [24] I can barely stand; my knees are weak from not eating; I am haggard and drawn, just skin and bones. [25] I have become a person of contempt to my accusers; whenever they see me, they taunt me, shaking their heads in disapproval. [26] Help me, Eternal One my God; come to my rescue! Save me through Your unfailing love. [27] Let everyone know that You are the source of my salvation that You, Eternal One, have done this mighty work. [28] Let them utter a curse, if they will, but You will speak a blessing; [when they come to attack,] let them know utter shame. Then Your servant will celebrate and praise You! [29] Let my enemies be clothed with disgrace and humiliation; let them be dressed in a robe of their own shame. [30] I will continually give thanks to the Eternal with the praises of my mouth; I will praise Him in the company of many. [31] For He always stands in support of the afflicted and needy to rescue their souls from those who judge and condemn them.