RSV Psalms 55 Chapter
55:1
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God;and hide not thyself from my supplication!
55:2
Attend to me, and answer me;I am overcome by my trouble. I am distraught
55:3
by the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring trouble upon me, and in anger they cherish enmity against me.
55:4
My heart is in anguish within me, the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
55:5
Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me.
55:6
And I say, 'O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest;
55:7
yea, I would wander afar, I would lodge in the wilderness, [Selah]
55:8
I would haste to find me a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.'
55:9
Destroy their plans, O Lord, confuse their tongues;for I see violence and strife in the city.
55:10
Day and night they go around it on its walls;and mischief and trouble are within it,
55:11
ruin is in its midst;oppression and fraud do not depart from its market place.
55:12
It is not an enemy who taunts me -- then I could bear it;it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me -- then I could hide from him.
55:13
But it is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.
55:14
We used to hold sweet converse together;within God's house we walked in fellowship.
55:15
Let death come upon them;let them go down to Sheol alive;let them go away in terror into their graves.
55:16
But I call upon God;and the LORD will save me.
55:17
Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice.
55:18
He will deliver my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me.
55:19
God will give ear, and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old;because they keep no law, and do not fear God. [Selah]
55:20
My companion stretched out his hand against his friends, he violated his covenant.
55:21
His speech was smoother than butter, yet war was in his heart;his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you;he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
55:23
But thou, O God, wilt cast them down into the lowest pit;men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in thee.