Psalm 55

1 Give ear to my prayer, O God,

Trust in God Concerning the Treachery of FriendsTo the Chief Musician. With Stringed Instruments. A Contemplation of David. And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me.4 My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.6 So I said, Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.7 Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah8 I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.10 Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.11 Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him.13 But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.14 We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.15 Let death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.16 As for me, I will call upon God, And the Lord shall save me.17 Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.19 God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. SelahBecause they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.21  The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.22 Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You.

PSALMS 55

Betrayed by a Friend

1 Listen, God, to my prayer!
Don't reject my request.

2 Please listen and help me.
My thoughts are troubled,
and I keep groaning

3 because my enemies attack
with loud shouts.
They treat me terribly
and hold angry grudges.

4 My heart is racing fast,
and I am afraid of dying.

5 I am trembling with fear,
completely terrified.

6 I wish I had wings
like a dove,
so I could fly far away
and be at peace.

7 I would go and live
in some distant desert.

8 I would quickly find shelter
from howling winds
and raging storms.

9 Confuse my enemies, Lord!
Upset their plans.
Cruelty and violence
are all I see in the city,

10 and they are like guards
on patrol day and night.
The city is full of trouble,
evil,

11 and corruption.
Troublemakers and liars
freely roam the streets.

12 My enemies are not the ones
who sneer and make fun.
I could put up with that
or even hide from them.

13 But it was my closest friend,
the one I trusted most.

14 We enjoyed being together,
when we went with others
to your house, our God.

15 All who hate me are controlled
by the power of evil.
Sentence them to death
and send them down alive
to the world of the dead.

16 I ask for your help, [Lord] God,
and you will keep me safe.

17 Morning, noon, and night
you hear my concerns
and my complaints.

18 I am attacked from all sides,
but you will rescue me
unharmed by the battle.

19 You have always ruled,
and you will hear me.
You will defeat my enemies
because they won't turn
and worship you.

20 My friend turned against me
and broke his promise.

21 His words were smoother
than butter, and softer
than olive oil.
But hatred filled his heart,
and he was ready to attack
with a sword.

22 Our [Lord], we belong to you.
We tell you what worries us,
and you won't let us fall.

23 But what about those people
who are cruel and brutal?
You will throw them down
into the deepest pit
long before their time.
I trust you, [Lord]!