Psalms 55

For the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.

1Give ear, O God, to my prayer, and do not hide yourself from my plea.

2Pay attention to me and answer me; I am restless in my complaint, and I moan.

3Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked; for they bring trouble down on me, and in anger they hate me.

4My heart writhes within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me.

5Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror covers me.

6And I said, “Who will give me wings like a dove? I would fly away and dwell.”

7Look, I would flee far away; I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah

8I would hasten to a refuge for myself from the rushing wind, from the storm.

9Swallow them up, Lord; divide their tongue, for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

10Day and night they go around her on her walls, and wickedness and trouble are within her.

11Destruction is within her; oppression and deceit do not depart from her square.

12For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not one who hates me who has exalted himself against me—then I could hide from him.

13But you—a man, my equal, my companion, and my close friend.

14Together we shared sweet counsel; in the house of God we walked in the throng.

15Let death come upon them; let them go down alive to Sheol, for evil is in their dwelling, in their midst.

16As for me, I call to God, and Yahweh will save me.

17Evening, morning, and noon I lament and groan, and he hears my voice.

18He has redeemed my life in safety from the battle against me, for many fought against me.

19God will hear and humble them—he who sits enthroned from of old (Selah)—for they have no changes, and they do not fear God.

20He stretched out his hands against those at peace with him; he profaned his covenant.

21The words of his mouth are smooth, but his heart is war; his words are softer than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

22Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

23But you, 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.