Psalm 109:1-31 GNT

[1] I praise you, God; don't remain silent! [2] Wicked people and liars have attacked me. They tell lies about me, [3] and they say evil things about me, attacking me for no reason. [4] They oppose me, even though I love them and have prayed for them. [5] They pay me back evil for good and hatred for love. [6] Choose some corrupt judge to try my enemy, and let one of his own enemies accuse him. [7] May he be tried and found guilty; may even his prayer be considered a crime! [8] May his life soon be ended; may someone else take his job! [9] May his children become orphans, and his wife a widow! [10] May his children be homeless beggars; may they be driven from the ruins they live in! [11] May his creditors take away all his property, and may strangers get everything he worked for. [12] May no one ever be kind to him or care for the orphans he leaves behind. [13] May all his descendants die, and may his name be forgotten in the next generation. [14] May the LORD remember the evil of his ancestors and never forgive his mother's sins. [15] May the LORD always remember their sins, but may they themselves be completely forgotten! [16] That man never thought of being kind; he persecuted and killed the poor, the needy, and the helpless. [17] He loved to curse-may he be cursed! He hated to give blessings-may no one bless him! [18] He cursed as naturally as he dressed himself; may his own curses soak into his body like water and into his bones like oil! [19] May they cover him like clothes and always be around him like a belt! [20] LORD, punish my enemies in that way- those who say such evil things against me! [21] But my Sovereign LORD, help me as you have promised, and rescue me because of the goodness of your love. [22] I am poor and needy; I am hurt to the depths of my heart. [23] Like an evening shadow I am about to vanish; I am blown away like an insect. [24] My knees are weak from lack of food; I am nothing but skin and bones. [25] When people see me, they laugh at me; they shake their heads in scorn. [26] Help me, O LORD my God; because of your constant love, save me! [27] Make my enemies know that you are the one who saves me. [28] They may curse me, but you will bless me. May my persecutors be defeated, and may I, your servant, be glad. [29] May my enemies be covered with disgrace; may they wear their shame like a robe. [30] I will give loud thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the assembly of the people, [31] because he defends the poor and saves them from those who condemn them to death.