3 Because of the voice of the enemy,
Because of the oppression of the wicked;
^aFor they bring down trouble upon me,
And in wrath they hate me. ‡

4 ^aMy 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. Selah

8 I would hasten my escape
From the windy storm and tempest.”

9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their¹ tongues,
For I have seen ^aviolence and strife in the city. ‡

10 Day and night they go around it on its walls;
^aIniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it. ‡

11 Destruction is in its midst;
^aOppression and deceit do not depart from its streets. ‡