Psalm 55

For the choir director: A psalm Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments. ¹Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! ² Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. ³ My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.

⁴My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. ⁵ Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking. ⁶ Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! ⁷ I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.Interlude ⁸ How quickly I would escape— far from this wild storm of hatred.

⁹Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city. ¹⁰ Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. ¹¹ Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.

¹²It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. ¹³ Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. ¹⁴ What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.

¹⁵Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave Hebrew let Sheol. swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them.

¹⁶But I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me. ¹⁷ Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice. ¹⁸ He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me. ¹⁹ God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them.Interlude For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God.

²⁰As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. ²¹ His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!

²²Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

²³But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.