Amahubo 120

1 Ekuhluphekeni kwami ngakhala eNkosini, yangiphendula.

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

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

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

3 Uzanikwani, njalo kuzakwengezelelwani kuwe, limi lwenkohliso?

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

4 Imitshoko ebukhali yeqhawe, lamalahle avuthayo esihlahla serotemu!

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

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

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

6 Umphefumulo wami sekukade wahlala laye ozonda ukuthula.

Too long have I dwelt With them that hate peace!

7 Ngingowokuthula, kodwa lapho ngikhuluma, bangabempi.

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