55:1   (A special psalm by David for the music leader. Use with stringed instruments.) Listen, God, to my prayer! Don't reject my request.

55:2   Please listen and help me. My thoughts are troubled, and I keep groaning

55:3   because my loud enemies shout and attack. They treat me terribly and hold angry grudges.

55:4   My heart is racing fast, and I am afraid of dying.

55:5   I am trembling with fear, completely terrified.

55:6   I wish I had wings like a dove, so I could fly far away and be at peace.

55:7   I would go and live in some distant desert.

55:8   I would quickly find shelter from howling winds and raging storms.

55:9   Confuse my enemies, Lord! Upset their plans. Cruelty and violence are all I see in the city,

55:10   and they are like guards on patrol day and night. The city is full of trouble, evil,

55:11   and corruption. Troublemakers and liars freely roam the streets.

55:12   My enemies are not the ones who sneer and make fun. I could put up with that or even hide from them.

55:13   But it was my closest friend, the one I trusted most.

55:14   We enjoyed being together, and we went with others to your house, our God.

55:15   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.

55:16   I ask for your help, LORD God, and you will keep me safe.

55:17   Morning, noon, and night you hear my concerns and my complaints.

55:18   I am attacked from all sides, but you will rescue me unharmed by the battle.

55:19   You have always ruled, and you will hear me. You will defeat my enemies because they won't turn and worship you.

55:20   My friend turned against me and broke his promise.

55:21   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.

55:22   Our LORD, we belong to you. We tell you what worries us, and you won't let us fall.

55:23   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!