[1] You, LORD God, bless everyone who cares for the poor, and you rescue those people in times of trouble. [2] You protect them and keep them alive. You make them happy here in this land, and you don't hand them over to their enemies. [3] You always heal them and restore their strength when they are sick. [4] I prayed, "Have pity, LORD! Heal me, though I have sinned against you." [5] My vicious enemies ask me, "When will you die and be forgotten?" [6] When visitors come, all they ever bring are worthless words, and when they leave, they spread gossip. [7] My enemies whisper about me. They think the worst, [8] and they say, "You have some fatal disease! You'll never get well." [9] My most trusted friend has turned against me, though he ate at my table. [10] Have pity, LORD! Heal me, so I can pay them back. [11] Then my enemies won't defeat me, and I will know that you really care. [12] You have helped me because I am innocent, and you will always be close to my side. [13] You, the LORD God of Israel, will be praised forever! Amen and amen.
