Psalm 55

55:1

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea.

55:2

Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught

55:3

at the voice of the enemy, at the pressure of the wicked. For they release disaster upon me and revile me in their anger.

55:4

My heart murmurs within me, and the terrors of death assail me.

55:5

Fear and trembling grip me, and horror has overwhelmed me.

55:6

I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.

55:7

How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah

55:8

I would hurry to my shelter, far from this raging tempest.”

55:9

O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.

55:10

Day and night they encircle the walls, while malice and trouble lie within.

55:11

Destruction is within; oppression and deceit never leave the streets.

55:12

For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide.

55:13

But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend.

55:14

We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

55:15

Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes.

55:16

But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.

55:17

Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.

55:18

He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

55:19

God will hear and humiliate them—the One enthroned for the ages—Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God.

55:20

My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.

55:21

His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.

55:22

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

55:23

But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.