Psalms 55

1 [For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David.] Listen to my prayer, God. Do not hide yourself from my petition.

For the end, among Hymns of instruction by David. Hearken, O God, to my prayer; and disregard not my supplication.

2 Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan,

Attend to me, and hearken to me: I was grieved in my (meditation) and troubled;

3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me.

because of the voice of the enemy, and because of the oppression of the sinner: for they brought iniquity against me, and were wrathfully angry with me.

4 My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me.

My heart was troubled within me; and the fear of death fell upon me.

5 Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me.

Fear and trembling came upon me, and darkness covered me.

6 I said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove. Then I would fly away, and be at rest.

And I said, O that I had wings as [those] of a dove! then would I flee away, and be at rest.

7 Look, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness." (Selah)

Lo! I have fled afar off, and lodged in the wilderness. (Pause)

8 "I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm."

I waited for him that should deliver me from distress of spirit and tempest.

9 Confuse them, LORD, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen iniquity and gain saying in the city.

10 Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her.

Day and night he shall go round about it upon its walls: iniquity and sorrow and unrighteousness [are] in the midst of it;

11 Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies do not depart from her streets.

and usury and craft have not failed from its streets.

12 For it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, then I would have hid myself from him.

For if an enemy had reproached me, I would have endured it; and if one who hated [me] had spoken vauntingly against me, I would have hid myself from him.

13 But it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend.

But thou, O man like minded, my guide, and my acquaintance,

14 We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God's house with company.

who in companionship with me sweetened [our] food: we walked in the house of God in concord.

15 Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them. (Sheol h7585)

Let death come upon them, and let them go down alive into Hades, for iniquity is in their dwellings, in the midst of them. (Sheol h7585)

16 As for me, I will call on God. The LORD will save me.

I cried to God, and the Lord hearkened to me.

17 Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice.

Evening, and morning, and at noon I will declare and make known [my wants]: and he shall hear my voice.

18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, although there are many who oppose me.

He shall deliver my soul in peace from them that draw nigh to me: for they were with me in many [cases].

19 God, who is enthroned forever, will hear, and humble them. (Selah) They never change, who do not fear God.

God shall hear, and bring them low, [even] he that has existed from eternity. (Pause) For they suffer no reverse, and [therefore] they have not feared God.

20 He has stretched out his hand against those who were at peace with him. He has violated his covenant.

He has reached forth his hand for retribution; they have profaned his covenant.

21 His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

They were scattered at the anger of his countenance, and his heart drew nigh them. His words were smoother than oil, yet are they darts.

22 Throw your burden upon the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will never allow the righteous to be upended.

Cast thy care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

23 But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down to the pit of destruction; bloody and crafty men shall not live out half their days; but I will hope in thee, O Lord.