Psalm 55

For the choir director. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David.

1Listen to my prayer, God, and do not hide yourself from my plea for mercy.

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 pressure of the wicked, for they bring trouble down on me, and in anger they hold a grudge against me.

4My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me.

5Fear and trembling come over me, and horror overwhelms me.

6I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.

7Yes, I would flee far away; I would stay in the wilderness. Selah.

8I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and storm.”

9Confuse them, Lord, divide their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.

10Day and night they go around it on its walls; wickedness and trouble are within it.

11Destruction is within it; oppression and deceit never leave its marketplace.

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

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

14We used to share sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

15Let death come on them by surprise; let them go down alive to Sheol, for evil is in their homes and in their hearts.

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

17Evening and morning and noon I complain and moan, and he hears my voice.

18He redeems my life in safety from the battle waged against me, for many are against me.

19God, who is enthroned from of old, will hear and humble them. Selah. For they do not change, and they do not fear God.

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

21His speech was smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

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

23But you, God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; people of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.