Psalms 56

1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.

For the music director. According to “Dove on Distant Oaks.” A psalm (miktam) of David concerning the time the Philistines captured him in Gath. God, please be gracious to me, for people are persecuting me; my attackers fight against me all day long.

2 My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.

My enemies chase me down all the time—there are many of them, attacking me in their arrogance.

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.

But when I'm afraid, I trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

I thank God for his promises. I trust in God, so why should I be fearful? What can mere human beings do to me?

5 All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise.

They constantly twist my words against me; they spend all their time thinking of evil things to do to me.

6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.

They gather together in their hiding places to keep watch on me, hoping to kill me.

7 In spite of such sin, will they escape? In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations.

Will they escape when they do so much evil? God, in anger bring these people down!

8 You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle— are they not in Your book?

You've kept track of all my wanderings. You've collected all my tears in your bottle. You've kept a record of each one.

9 Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.

Then those who hate me will run away when I call for your help. For I know this: God is for me!

10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,

I thank God for his promises. I thank the Lord for his promises.

11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

I trust in God, so why should I be fearful? What can mere human beings do to me?

12 Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.

God, I will keep my promises to you. I will give thank offerings to you,

13 For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

for you have saved me from death and kept me from falling. Now I walk in the presence of God, in the light that gives life.