For the music director: with stringed instruments,

a maskil of David.

Oh God, listen to my prayer

and don’t ignore my plea for help.

Hear me and answer me.

I moan and I’m restless because of my complaint

– because of the voice of my adversary

because of the oppression of the wicked.

They throw trouble at me

and angrily bear a grudge against me.

Deep within me, my heart shudders,

and the terrors of death wash over me,

and I am overwhelmed by horror.

I said “Oh if only I had wings like a dove!

I would then fly away and find peace.

Surely I would fly far away and stay in the wilderness.

Selah

I would scramble to my shelter

away from the rushing storm winds.”

Lord, mix up their speech,

because I see strife and violence in the city.

All day and all night they prowl her walls.

Mischief and iniquity are within her too.

In her midst are ruins.

Deceit and oppression are camped in her square.

If it were an enemy taunting me,

I could bear it.

If my enemy was raising himself up over me

I could just hide myself from him.

But no, it is a man like me

 – my friend and close companion!

We enjoyed a great fellowship together.

We used to walk with the crowds in the House of God.

Let desolation surround them,

let them get dragged alive down into Sheol

because they dwell in evil.

As for me, I call upon God

and Adonai saves me.

All day long I moan and complain,

then God hears my voice.

God will rescue my soul in shalom

from the battle waged against me.

Many foes fight against me.

God will listen and make them humble

– yes the One enthroned from long ago.

Selah

Nothing changes because they don’t fear God.

My companion raised his hands

against his allies and violates his covenant.

His speech was smoother than butter,

but his heart was filled with war.

Softer than oil were his words,

but really they were like drawn swords.

Place your burdens on Adonai

and Adonai will sustain you.

Adonai won’t ever let the righteous be shaken.

Instead, God will bring them down

to the Pit of destruction.

Bloodthirsty, treacherous people

will have their lifespan cut in half.

But as for me – I will trust in You.