Psalms 41

1 For the music director. A psalm of David. How happy are those who take care of the poor! When they are in trouble the Lord will save them.

For the leader; for Jeduthun. A psalm of David. Happy are those who consider the weak; in the day of misfortune the Lord will deliver them.

2 The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. They will live happily in the land, and they will not be handed over to their enemies.

He will keep them safe, happy, and long in the land, and not give them up to the rage of their foes.

3 The Lord looks after them when they're sick; he makes them well from their illness.

The Lord will sustain them on bed of languishing; tending their sickness, as long as they lie.

4 “Lord, please be gracious to me,” I asked. “Please heal me, for I have sinned against you.”

For this cause I say, ‘Lord, show me your favour; heal me, because I have sinned against you.’

5 Those who hate me only say evil things about me. “When is he going to die, and people forget all about him?” they ask.

My enemies speak of me nothing but evil, ‘When will he die, and his name pass away?’

6 They come to visit me, but their sympathy is not sincere. They're only interested in the bad news, which they spread around as soon as they leave.

When one comes to see me, their words ring hollow; their heart keeps gathering mischief the while; and when they go out, they give it speech.

7 All who hate me talk in whispers about my condition, hoping for the worst.

In secret they whisper together against me, all those who hate me plot evil against me.

8 “He's been cursed with some terrible disease,” they say. “Now he's bed-ridden he'll never recover!”

‘Some fatal disease has fastened upon him; and now that he lies, he will rise up no more.’

9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted, who shared meals with me—even he has turned against me.

My most trusted friend, on whom I relied, who ate of my bread, has turned against me.

10 But you Lord, please be gracious to me, make me well so I can repay them!

But do you, Lord, graciously raise me up, that I may pay them their due reward.

11 I know you are pleased with me because you have not let my enemies win and shout in triumph over me.

By this will I know you delight in me: if my foes may not shout over me in triumph.

12 You have supported me because of my integrity, you have brought me into your presence forever.

For my innocence you uphold me, and set me forever before your face.

13 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, from eternity to eternity! Amen and amen!

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting, Amen and Amen.