Psalms 120

1 “A psalm of steps.” In my distress I called upon the LORD, And he answered me.

A Song of Ascents. Unto Yahweh, in the distress that befell me, I cried—and he answered me.

2 O LORD! deliver me from lying lips, From the deceitful tongue!

O Yahweh! rescue thou my soul—from the false lip, from the deceitful tongue.

3 What profit to thee, Or what advantage to thee, is the false tongue?

What shall be given to thee, and what shall be added to thee, thou deceitful tongue?

4 It is like the sharp arrows of the mighty man; Like coals of the juniper.

The arrows of the hero sharpened, with burning coals of broom.

5 Alas for me, that I sojourn in Mesech, That I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

Woe is me, That I sojourn in Meshek, —That I abide near the tents of Kedar!

6 Too long have I dwelt With them that hate peace!

Long, hath my soul had her dwelling with him that hateth peace:

7 I am for peace; yet, when I speak for it, They are for war.

I, am for peace, and verily I speak, They, are for war!