Psalms 120

1 [A Song of Ascents.] In my distress, I cried to YHWH. He answered me.

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

2 Deliver my soul, YHWH, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.

Lord, please save me from liars and cheats!

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

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

4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

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

5 Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar.

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

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

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

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

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