1 L isten to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication.

2 A ttend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan,

3 B ecause of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me.

4 M y heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me.

5 F earfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me.

6 I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest.

7 B ehold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness.” Selah.

8 “ I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm.”

9 C onfuse them, Lord, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

10 D ay and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her.

11 D estructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don’t depart from her streets.

12 F or it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, then I would have hidden myself from him.

13 B ut it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend.

14 W e took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God’s house with company.

15 L et death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is among them, in their dwelling.

16 A s for me, I will call on God. Yahweh will save me.

17 E vening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice.

18 H e has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, although there are many who oppose me.

19 G od, who is enthroned forever, will hear, and answer them. Selah. They never change, who don’t fear God.

20 H e raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant.

21 H is mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

22 C ast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

23 B ut you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.