Amahubo 120

1 Ekuhluphekeni kwami ngakhala eNkosini, yangiphendula.

A Song of Degrees. In mine affliction I cried to the Lord, and he listened to me.

2 Nkosi, khulula umphefumulo wami kundebe zamanga, kulimi lwenkohliso.

Deliver my soul, O Lord, from unjust lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

3 Uzanikwani, njalo kuzakwengezelelwani kuwe, limi lwenkohliso?

What should be given to you, and what should be added to you, for [your] crafty tongue?

4 Imitshoko ebukhali yeqhawe, lamalahle avuthayo esihlahla serotemu!

Sharpened weapons of the mighty, with coals of the desert.

5 Maye kimi, ngoba ngihlala njengowezizwe koMesheki, ngihlala emathenteni eKedari!

Woe is me, that my sojourning is prolonged; I have tabernacled amongst the tents of Kedar.

6 Umphefumulo wami sekukade wahlala laye ozonda ukuthula.

My soul has long been a sojourner;

7 Ngingowokuthula, kodwa lapho ngikhuluma, bangabempi.

I was peaceful amongst them that hated peace; when I spoke to them, they warred against me without a cause.