[1] Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble. [2] The LORD protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. [3] The LORD nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. [4] "O LORD," I prayed, "have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you." [5] But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. "How soon will he die and be forgotten?" they ask. [6] They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. [7] All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. [8] "He has some fatal disease," they say. "He will never get out of that bed!" [9] Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. [10] LORD, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! [11] I know you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemies triumph over me. [12] You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever. [13] Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!
