Psalm

55 Listen to my prayer, O God,+

And do not ignore my request for mercy.*+

My concern makes me restless,+

And I am distraught

 3 Because of what the enemy is saying

And the pressure from the wicked one.

For they heap trouble upon me,

And in anger they harbor animosity against me.+

 4 My heart is in anguish within me,+

And the terrors of death overwhelm me.+

 5 Fear and trembling come upon me,

And shuddering grips me.

 8 I would hurry to a place of shelter

Away from the raging wind, away from the storm.”

 9 Confuse them, O Jehovah, and frustrate their plans,*+

For I have seen violence and conflict in the city.

10 Day and night they walk around on its walls;

Within it are malice and trouble.+

11 Ruin is in its midst;

Oppression and deception never depart from its public square.+

12 For it is not an enemy who taunts me;+

Otherwise I could put up with it.

It is not a foe who has risen up against me;

Otherwise I could conceal myself from him.

13 But it is you, a man like me,*+

My own companion whom I know well.+

14 We used to enjoy a warm friendship together;

Into the house of God we used to walk along with the multitude.

Let them go down alive into the Grave;*

For evil resides among them and within them.

16 As for me, I will call out to God,

And Jehovah will save me.+

17 Evening and morning and noontime, I am troubled and I groan,*+

And he hears my voice.+

18 He will rescue* me and give me* peace from those fighting against me,

For multitudes come against me.+

19 God will hear and respond to them,+

The one who sits enthroned from of old.+ (Selah)

They will refuse to change,

Those who have not feared God.+

20 He* attacked those at peace with him;+

He violated his covenant.+

21 His words are smoother than butter,+

But conflict is in his heart.

His words are softer than oil,

But they are drawn swords.+

22 Throw your burden on Jehovah,+

And he will sustain you.+