Psalms 120

1 A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me.

A song for pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. I called out to the Lord for help in all my troubles, and he answered me.

2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.

Lord, please save me from liars and cheats!

3 What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue?

What will the Lord do to you, you liars? How will he punish you?

4 Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!

With the sharp arrows of a warrior and burning coals made from a broom tree.

5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!

I'm sorry for myself, because I live as a foreigner in Meshech, or among the tent-dwellers of Kedar.

6 Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace.

I have lived for far too long among people who hate peace.

7 I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war.

I want peace, but when I talk of peace, they want war.