1 Listen, God, to my prayer!Don't reject my request.
2 Please listen and help me.My thoughts are troubled,and I keep groaning
3 because my enemies attackwith loud shouts.They treat me terriblyand hold angry grudges.
4 My heart is racing fast,and I am afraid of dying.
5 I am trembling with fear,completely terrified.
6 I wish I had wingslike a dove,so I could fly far awayand be at peace.
7 I would go and livein some distant desert.
8 I would quickly find shelterfrom howling windsand raging storms.
9 Confuse my enemies, Lord!Upset their plans.Cruelty and violenceare all I see in the city,
10 and they are like guardson patrol day and night.The city is full of trouble,evil,
11 and corruption.Troublemakers and liarsfreely roam the streets.
12 My enemies are not the oneswho sneer and make fun.I could put up with thator even hide from them.
13 But it was my closest friend,the one I trusted most.
14 We enjoyed being together,when we went with othersto your house, our God.
15 All who hate me are controlledby the power of evil.Sentence them to deathand send them down aliveto the world of the dead.
16 I ask for your help, Lord God,and you will keep me safe.
17 Morning, noon, and nightyou hear my concernsand my complaints.
18 I am attacked from all sides,but you will rescue meunharmed by the battle.
19 You have always ruled,and you will hear me.You will defeat my enemiesbecause they won't turnand worship you.
20 My friend turned against meand broke his promise.
21 His words were smootherthan butter, and softerthan olive oil.But hatred filled his heart,and he was ready to attackwith a sword.
22 Our Lord, we belong to you.We tell you what worries us,and you won't let us fall.
23 But what about those peoplewho are cruel and brutal?You will throw them downinto the deepest pitlong before their time.I trust you, Lord!