001 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
002 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;
003 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.
004 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.
005 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.
006 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
007 Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.
008 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
009 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
010 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.
011 Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.
012 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:
013 But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.
014 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
015 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.
016 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
017 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
018 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
019 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
020 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
021 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
022 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
023 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.