Psalm 55
Betrayal by a Friend
For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.
1 God, listen to my prayer
and do not hide from my plea for help. f
2 Pay attention to me and answer me. g
I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint, h
3 because of the enemy’s words, D
because of the pressure E of the wicked.
For they bring down disaster on me
and harass me in anger. i
4 My heart shudders within me; j
terrors of death sweep over me.
horror has overwhelmed me. k
6 I said, “If only I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and find rest. l
I would stay in the wilderness. m Selah
from the raging wind and the storm.” n
9 Lord, confuse F and confound their speech, G,o
for I see violence and strife in the city;
10 day and night they make the rounds on its walls.
Crime and trouble are within it; p
oppression and deceit never leave its marketplace. q
12 Now it is not an enemy who insults me—
otherwise I could bear it;
it is not a foe who rises up against me—
otherwise I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man who is my peer,
my companion and good friend! r
14 We used to have close fellowship;
we walked with the crowd into the house of God. s
15 Let death take them by surprise; t
let them go down to Sheol alive,
because evil is in their homes and within them. u
and the LORD will save me. v
17 I complain and groan morning, noon, and night, w
and he hears my voice. x
18 Though many are against me,
he will redeem me from my battle unharmed. y
19 God, the one enthroned from long ago, z
will hear and will humiliate them Selah
because they do not change
and do not fear God. a
20 My friend b acts violently
against those at peace with him; c
he violates his covenant. d
21 His buttery words are smooth,
but war is in his heart.
His words are softer than oil,
but they are drawn swords. e
22 Cast your burden on the LORD,
and he will sustain you; f
he will never allow the righteous to be shaken. g
23 God, you will bring them down
to the Pit of destruction; h
men of bloodshed and treachery
will not live out half their days. i
But I will trust in you. j