Psalms 120

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

He waiata; he pikitanga. I tangi, ahau ki a Ihowa i toku matenga; a i whakahoki kupu mai ia ki ahau.

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

E Ihowa, whakaorangia toku wairua i te ngutu teka, i te arero hianga.

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

Ko te aha e hoatu ki a koe? ko te aha hoki e tapiritia atu mau, e te arero hianga?

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

Ko nga pere koi a te hunga nunui, me nga waro hunipa.

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

Aue, toku mate, to te manene i Meheke, toku hoki e noho nei i nga teneti o Kerara!

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

Kua roa te nohoanga tahitanga o toku wairua ki te tangata e kino ana ki te ata noho.

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

Mo te ata noho ahau, engari ka korero ahau, ka anga ratou ka whawhai.