| 1 | To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contmeplation of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. | |
| 2 | Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, | |
| 3 | Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me. | |
| 4 | My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. | |
| 5 | Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. | |
| 6 | So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. | |
| 7 | Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah | |
| 8 | I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest." | |
| 9 | Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city. | |
| 10 | Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it. | |
| 11 | Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets. | |
| 12 | For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. | |
| 13 | But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance. | |
| 14 | We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng. | |
| 15 | Let death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them. | |
| 16 | As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me. | |
| 17 | Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. | |
| 18 | He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me. | |
| 19 | God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God. | |
| 20 | He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant. | |
| 21 | The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. | |
| 22 | Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. | |
| 23 | But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You. | |