[1] Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! [2] Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. [3] My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down. [4] My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. [5] Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can't stop shaking. [6] Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! [7] I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. Interlude [8] How quickly I would escape- far from this wild storm of hatred. [9] Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city. [10] Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. [11] Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets. [12] It is not an enemy who taunts me- I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me- I could have hidden from them. [13] Instead, it is you-my equal, my companion and close friend. [14] What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God. [15] Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them. [16] But I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me. [17] Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice. [18] He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me. [19] God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them. Interlude For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God. [20] As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. [21] His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! [22] Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. [23] But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.
