Psalms 142

1 An Instruction of David, a Prayer when he is in the cave. My voice [is] unto Jehovah, I cry, My voice [is] unto Jehovah, I entreat grace.

A maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A prayer. I call out to the Lord for help; pleading with the Lord for mercy.

2 I pour forth before Him my (meditation) My distress before Him I declare.

I pour out my complaints before him; I tell him what's troubling me.

3 When my spirit hath been feeble in me, Then Thou hast known my path; In the way [in] which I walk, They have hid a snare for me.

When I'm totally discouraged, you know the direction I should take. But whichever way I go, people set traps for me.

4 Looking on the right hand — and seeing, And I have none recognizing; Perished hath refuge from me, There is none inquiring for my soul.

I look to my right for someone to support me—but no one pays me any attention. There's no safe place for me—no one cares about me at all.

5 I have cried unto thee, O Jehovah, I have said, 'Thou [art] my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.'

I cry out to you, Lord, for help, saying, “You are the one who keeps me safe; you are all I need in life.

6 Attend Thou unto my loud cry, For I have become very low, Deliver Thou me from my pursuers, For they have been stronger than I.

Please listen to my sad cry, for I'm feeling very low. Please save me from those who are after me, for they're too strong for me.

7 Bring forth from prison my soul to confess Thy name, The righteous do compass me about, When Thou conferrest benefits upon me!

Release me from my prison so I can praise you for the person you are! Those who live right will gather round me because you have treated me so well.”