[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.