[1] God, listen to my prayer and do not ignore my cry for help. [2] Pay attention to me and answer me. I am troubled and upset [3] by what the enemy says and how the wicked look at me. They bring troubles down on me, and in anger they attack me. [4] I am frightened inside; the terror of death has attacked me. [5] I am scared and shaking, and terror grips me. [6] I said, "I wish I had wings like a dove. Then I would fly away and rest. [7] I would wander far away and stay in the desert. Selah [8] I would hurry to my place of escape, far away from the wind and storm." [9] Lord, destroy and confuse their words, because I see violence and fighting in the city. [10] Day and night they are all around its walls, and evil and trouble are everywhere inside. [11] Destruction is everywhere in the city; trouble and lying never leave its streets. [12] It was not an enemy insulting me. I could stand that. It was not someone who hated me. I could hide from him. [13] But it is you, a person like me, my companion and good friend. [14] We had a good friendship and walked together to God's Temple. [15] Let death take away my enemies. Let them die while they are still young because evil lives with them. [16] But I will call to God for help, and the LORD will save me. [17] Morning, noon, and night I am troubled and upset, but he will listen to me. [18] Many are against me, but he keeps me safe in battle. [19] God who lives forever will hear me and punish them. Selah But they will not change; they do not fear God. [20] The one who was my friend attacks his friends and breaks his promises. [21] His words are slippery like butter, but war is in his heart. His words are smoother than oil, but they cut like knives. [22] Give your worries to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will never let good people down. [23] But, God, you will bring down the wicked to the grave. Murderers and liars will live only half a lifetime. But I will trust in you.
