[1] Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. [2] Give heed to me and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted, [3] Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the pressure of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me And in anger they bear a grudge against me. [4] My heart is in anguish within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. [5] Fear and trembling come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. [6] I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. [7] "Behold, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness. [8] "I would hasten to my place of refuge From the stormy wind and tempest." [9] Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city. [10] Day and night they go around her upon her walls, And iniquity and mischief are in her midst. [11] Destruction is in her midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets. [12] For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear it; Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, Then I could hide myself from him. [13] But it is you, a man my equal, My companion and my familiar friend; [14] We who had sweet fellowship together Walked in the house of God in the throng. [15] Let death come deceitfully upon them; Let them go down alive to Sheol, For evil is in their dwelling, in their midst. [16] As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me. [17] Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice. [18] He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who strive with me. [19] God will hear and answer them- Even the one who sits enthroned from of old- Selah. With whom there is no change, And who do not fear God. [20] He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant. [21] His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. [22] Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to 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.
