Psalms 120

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

A Song of Ascents. In my distress, I cried to the LORD. He answered me.

2 Lord, please save me from liars and cheats!

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

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

What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you, you deceitful tongue?

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

Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

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

Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell amongst the tents of Kedar!

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

My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace.

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

I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.