[1] Happy is the person who thinks about the poor. When trouble comes, the Lord will save him. [2] The Lord will protect him and spare his life. The Lord will bless him in the land. The Lord will not let his enemies take him. [3] The Lord will give him strength when he is sick. The Lord will make him well again. [4] I said, "Lord, be kind to me. Heal me because I have sinned against you." [5] My enemies are saying bad things about me. They say, "When will he die and be forgotten?" [6] Some people come to see me. But they lie. They just come to get bad news. Then they go and gossip. [7] All my enemies whisper about me. They think the worst about me. [8] They say, "He has a terrible disease. He will never get out of bed again." [9] My best and truest friend ate at my table. Now even he has turned against me. [10] Lord, have mercy on me. Give me strength so I can pay them back. [11] My enemies do not defeat me. That's how I know you are pleased with me. [12] Because I am innocent, you support me. You will let me be with you forever. [13] Praise the Lord, the God of Israel. He has always been, and he will always be. Amen and amen.
