1 G ive ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

2 A ttend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,

3 B ecause of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me.

4 M y heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.

5 F earfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.

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

7 I ndeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah

8 I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.”

9 D estroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.

10 D ay and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.

11 D estruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.

12 F or it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him.

13 B ut it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.

14 W e took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.

15 L et death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.

16 A s for me, I will call upon God, And the Lord shall save me.

17 E vening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.

18 H e has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.

19 G od will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.

20 H e has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.

21 T he words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.

22 C ast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

23 B ut You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You.