1 Happy are those who think about the poor.When trouble comes, the Lord will save them.
2 The Lord will protect them and spare their lifeand will bless them in the land.He will not let their enemies take them.
3 The Lord will give them strength when they are sick,and he will make them well again.
4 I said, “Lord, have mercy on me.Heal me, because I have sinned against you.”
5 My enemies are saying evil things about me.They say, “When will he die and be forgotten?”
6 Some people come to see me,but they lie.They just come to get bad news.Then they go and gossip.
7 All my enemies whisper about meand think the worst about me.
8 They say, “He has a terrible disease.He will never get out of bed again.”
9 My best and truest friend, who ate at my table,has even turned against me.
10 Lord, have mercy on me.Give me strength so I can pay them back.
11 Because my enemies do not defeat me,I know you are pleased with me.
12 Because I am innocent, you support meand will let me be with you forever.
13 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel.He has always been,and he will always be.Amen and amen.