1 I praise you, God!Don't keep silent.
2 Destructive and deceitful liesare told about me,
3 and hateful things are saidfor no reason.
4 I had pity and prayedfor my enemies,but their words to mewere harsh and cruel.
5 For being friendly and kind,they paid me backwith meanness and hatred.
6 My enemies said,“Find some worthless foolsto accuse him of a crime.
7 Try him and find him guilty!Consider his prayers a lie.
8 Cut his life shortand let someone elsehave his job.
9 Make orphans of his childrenand a widow of his wife;
10 make his children beg for foodand live in the slums.
11 “Let the people he owestake everything he owns.Give it all to strangers.
12 Don't let anyone be kind to himor have pity on the childrenhe leaves behind.
13 Bring an end to his family,and from now on let him bea forgotten man.
14 “Don't let the Lord forgivethe sins of his parentsand his ancestors.
15 Don't let the Lord forgetthe sins of his family,or let anyone rememberhis family ever lived.
16 He was so cruel to the poor,homeless, and discouragedthat they died young.
17 “He cursed others.Now place a curse on him!He never wished others well.Wish only trouble for him!
18 He cursed others more oftenthan he dressed himself.Let his curses strike him deep,just as water and olive oilsoak through to our bones.
19 Let his curses surround him,just like the clotheshe wears each day.”
20 Those are the cruel thingsmy enemies wish for me.Let it all happen to them!
21 Be true to your name, Lord God!Show your great kindnessand rescue me.
22 I am poor and helpless,and I have lost all hope.
23 I am fading awaylike an evening shadow;I am tossed asidelike a crawling insect.
24 I have gone without eating,until my knees are weak,and my body is bony.
25 When my enemies see me,they say cruel thingsand shake their heads.
26 Please help me, Lord God!Come and save mebecause of your love.
27 Let others know that you alonehave saved me.
28 I don't care if they curse me,as long as you bless me.You will make my enemies failwhen they attack,and you will make me gladto be your servant.
29 You will cover them with shame,just as their bodiesare covered with clothes.
30 I will sing your praisesand thank you, Lord,when your people meet.
31 You help everyone in need,and you defend themwhen they are on trial.