Psalms 55 — WEBC

For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David.

55Verse 1Listen to my prayer, God.Don’t hide yourself from my supplication.^{Verse 2}Attend to me, and answer me.I am restless in my complaint,
and moan^{Verse 3}
because of the voice of the enemy,
because of the oppression of the wicked.For they bring suffering on me.In anger they hold a grudge against me.^{Verse 4}My heart is severely pained within me.The terrors of death have fallen on me.^{Verse 5}Fearfulness and trembling have come on me.Horror has overwhelmed me.^{Verse 6}I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove!Then I would fly away, and be at rest.^{Verse 7}Behold, then I would wander far off.I would lodge in the wilderness.” Selah.^{Verse 8}“I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm.”
^{Verse 9}Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language,for I have seen violence and strife in the city.^{Verse 10}Day and night they prowl around on its walls.Malice and abuse are also within her.^{Verse 11}Destructive forces are within her.Threats and lies don’t depart from her streets.^{Verse 12}For it was not an enemy who insulted me,then I could have endured it.Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me,then I would have hidden myself from him.^{Verse 13}But it was you, a man like me,my companion, and my familiar friend.^{Verse 14}We took sweet fellowship together.We walked in God’s house with company.^{Verse 15}Let death come suddenly on them.Let them go down alive into Sheol.⁺
For wickedness is among them, in their dwelling.^{Verse 16}As for me, I will call on God.The LORD will save me.^{Verse 17}Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress.He will hear my voice.^{Verse 18}He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me,although there are many who oppose me.^{Verse 19}God, who is enthroned forever,will hear and answer them. Selah.
They never changeand don’t fear God.^{Verse 20}He raises his hands against his friends.He has violated his covenant.^{Verse 21}His mouth was smooth as butter,but his heart was war.His words were softer than oil,yet they were drawn swords.^{Verse 22}Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you.He will never allow the righteous to be moved.^{Verse 23}But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction.Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days,
but I will trust in you.