Psalms 55
Psalm 55
Betrayal by a Friend
For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David.
1God, listen to my prayer and do not hide from my plea for help.23Pay attention to me and answer me. I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint,4
5because of the enemy’s words, because of the pressure of the wicked. For they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger.6
7My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me.8
9Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me.10
11I said, “If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.12
13How far away I would flee; I would stay in the wilderness.Selah14
15I would hurry to my shelter from the raging wind and the storm.”16
17Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city;18
19day and night they make the rounds on its walls. Crime and trouble are within it;20
21destruction is inside it; oppression and deceit never leave its marketplace.22
23Now 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.24
25But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend!26
27We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.28
29Let death take them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, because evil is in their homes and within them.30
31But I call to God, and the Lord will save me.32
33I complain and groan morning, noon, and night, and he hears my voice.34
35Though many are against me, he will redeem me from my battle unharmed.36
37God, the one enthroned from long ago, will hear and will humiliate themSelah because they do not change and do not fear God.38
39My friend acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant.40
41His buttery words are smooth, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, but they are drawn swords.42
43Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.44
45God, you will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.46