1 H appy is the man who cares for the poor. The Lord will save him in times of trouble.

2 T he Lord will keep him alive and safe. And he will be happy upon the earth. You will not give him over to the desire of those who hate him.

3 T he Lord will give him strength on his bed of sickness. When he is sick, You will make him well again.

4 A s for me, I said, “O Lord, have loving-kindness for me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”

5 T hose who hate me speak bad words against me, saying, “When will he die, and his name be forgotten?”

6 W hen one comes to see me, he speaks lies. His heart gathers up bad stories. Then he goes outside and tells them.

7 A ll who hate me speak in secret together against me. They make plans to hurt me, saying,

8 “ A bad thing has come over him. When he lies down, he will not rise again.”

9 E ven a friend of mine whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has turned against me.

10 H ave loving-kindness for me, O Lord. Raise me up, so that I may pay them back.

11 T hen I will know that You are pleased with me, because he who hates me does not win over me.

12 A s for me, You hold me up in my honesty. And You set me beside You forever.

13 H onor be to the Lord, the God of Israel, forever and ever! Let it be so!