Psalm 6

A Prayer for Mercy

For the choir director: with stringed instruments, according to Sheminith. x A psalm of David.

1   LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger;

do not discipline me in your wrath. y

2   Be gracious to me, LORD, for I am weak; K,z

heal me, a LORD, for my bones are shaking; b

3   my whole being is shaken with terror. c

And you, LORD—how long? d

4   Turn, LORD! Rescue me;

save me because of your faithful love. e

5   For there is no remembrance of you in death;

who can thank you in Sheol? f

6   I am weary from my groaning; g

with my tears I dampen my bed

and drench my couch every night. h

7   My eyes are swollen from grief; i

they grow old because of all my enemies.

8   Depart from me, all evildoers,

for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. j

9   The LORD has heard my plea for help; k

the LORD accepts my prayer. l

10   All my enemies will be ashamed and shake with terror;

they will turn back m and suddenly be disgraced. n