[1] For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea. [2] Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught [3] at the voice of the enemy, at the pressure of the wicked. For they bring down disaster upon me and resent me in their anger. [4] My heart pounds within me, and the terrors of death assail me. [5] Fear and trembling grip me, and horror has overwhelmed me. [6] I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. [7] How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah [8] I would hurry to my shelter, far from this raging tempest.” [9] O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. [10] Day and night they encircle the walls, while malice and trouble lie within. [11] Destruction is within; oppression and deceit never leave the streets. [12] For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. [13] But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. [14] We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God. [15] Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes. [16] But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. [17] Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. [18] He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. [19] God will hear and humiliate them —the One enthroned for the ages —Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God. [20] My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. [21] His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. [22] Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. [23] But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.
