The Psalms
Psalm 55
[For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.] Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Thyself from my supplication.
Give heed to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted,
Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the pressure of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in anger they bear a grudge against me.
My heart is in anguish within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Fear and trembling come upon me; And horror has overwhelmed me.
And I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
"Behold, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness.[Selah].
"I would hasten to my place of refuge From the stormy wind [and] tempest."
Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Day and night they go around her upon her walls; And iniquity and mischief are in her midst.
Destruction is in her midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets.
For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear [it]; Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, Then I could hide myself from him.
But it is you, a man my equal, My companion and my familiar friend.
We who had sweet fellowship together, Walked in the house of God in the throng.
Let death come deceitfully upon them; Let them go down alive to Sheol, For evil is in their dwelling, in their midst.
As for me, I shall call upon God, And the Lord will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice.
He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle [which is] against me, For they are many [who strive] with me.
God will hear and answer them - Even the one who sits enthroned from of old - [Selah]. With whom there is no change, And who do not fear God.
He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant.
His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.
Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
But Thou, O God, wilt 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 Thee.