55:1  Give ear to my prayer, O God; and do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

55:2  Give heed to me and answer me; I feel restless in my complaint and have become distracted,

55:3  Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the pressure of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me and in anger they bear a grudge against me.

55:4  My heart has anguish within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me.

55:5  Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me.

55:6  I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and rest.

55:7  "Behold, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah.

55:8  "I would hasten to my place of refuge from the stormy wind and tempest."

55:9  Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.

55:10  Day and night they go around her upon her walls, and iniquity and mischief dwell in her midst.

55:11   Destruction dwells in her midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets.

55:12  For it didn't appear that an enemy reproached me, Then I could bear it; Nor did one who hates me exalt himself against me, Then I would hide myself from him.

55:13  But the threat came from you, a man my equal, My companion and my familiar friend;

55:14  We who had sweet fellowship together walked in the house of God in the throng.

55:15  Let death come deceitfully upon them; Let them go down alive to Sheol,

55:16  As for me, I shall call upon God, and the LORD will save me.

55:17  Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice.

55:18  He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which rages against me, For many strive with me.

55:19  God will hear and answer them--Even the one who sits enthroned from of old--Selah With whom we see no change, And who do not fear God.

55:20  He has put forth his hands against those who dwelled at peace with him; He has violated his covenant.

55:21  His speech seemed smoother than butter, But his heart radiated war; His words seemed softer than oil, Yet they resembled drawn swords.

55:22  Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to become disoriented.

55:23  But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days But I will trust in You.