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 leader of the music. To be sung to the tune of “The dumb dove among strangers.” A psalm of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.” Have pity upon me, O God! for man panteth for my life; My adversary daily oppresseth me!

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

Mine enemies daily pant for my life, And many are they who war proudly against me.

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

When I am in fear, I will put my trust in thee!

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

Through God shall I praise his word; In God do I put my trust; I will not fear; What can flesh do to me?

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

Every day they wrest my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil.

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

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they watch my steps, Lying in wait for my life.

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

Shall they escape by their iniquity? In thine anger cast down the people, O God!

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

Count thou my wanderings; Put my tears into thy bottle! Are they not recorded in thy book?

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

When I cry to thee, my enemies shall turn back; This I know, that God is for me.

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

Through God shall I praise his word; I shall glory in the promise of Jehovah.

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

In God do I put my trust; I will not fear: What can man do to me?

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

Thy vows are upon me, O God! I will render praises to thee!

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 thou hast delivered me from death, Yea, my feet from falling, That I may walk before God in the light of the living.