To the director.[305] With instruments. A maskil[306] of David.
<1> God, hear my prayer.
Please don't ignore my prayer for mercy.
<2> Please listen to me and answer me.
Let me speak to you and tell you what upsets me.
<3> Like an enemy, they yelled at me and threatened me.
They were angry and attacked me.
They brought troubles crashing down on me.
<4> My heart is pounding inside me.
I am scared to death.
<5> I am trembling with fear.
I am terrified!
<6> Oh, I wish I had wings like a dove.
I would fly away and find a place to rest.
<7> I would go far into the desert and stay there.
Selah[307]
<8> I would run away.
I would escape from this storm of trouble.
<9> My Master, stop their lies.
I see the violence and fighting
in this city.
<10> Day and night, in every neighborhood,
the city is filled with crime and trouble.
<11> There is so much crime in the streets.
People are lying and cheating everywhere.
<12> If it were an enemy insulting me,
I could bear it.
If it were my enemies attacking me,
I could hide.
<13> But it is you, my companion,
my colleague, my close friend, who does this.
<14> We used to share our secrets with one another,
as we walked through the crowds together in God's Temple.[308]
<15> I wish death would take my enemies by surprise!
I wish the earth would open up and swallow them alive[309]
because they plan such terrible things together.
<16> I will call to God for help,
and the Lord will answer me.
<17> I speak to God evening, morning, and noon.
I tell him what upsets me, and he listens to me!
<18> I have fought in many battles,
but God has always rescued me and brought me back safely.
<19> God, who has always ruled as king,
will hear me and punish my enemies.
Selah
But they will never change.
They don't fear and respect God.
<20> This one who was once my friend now attacks his friends.
He is breaking every promise he made.
<21> His words about peace are as smooth as butter,
but he has only war on his mind.
His words are as slick as oil,
but they cut like a knife.
<22> Give your worries to the Lord,
and he will care for you.
He will never let those who are good be defeated.
<23> But, God, you will send those liars and murderers to their grave.
They will die before their life is half finished!
As for me, I will put my trust in you
© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.