New Living Translation

Psalms • Chapter 55

1 Listen to my prayer, O God (Elohim).<br>Do not ignore my cry for help!<br> 2 Please listen and answer me,<br>for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.<br> 3 My enemies shout at me,<br>making loud and wicked threats.<br>They bring trouble on me<br>and angrily hunt me down.<br> 4 My heart pounds in my chest.<br>The terror of death assaults me.<br> 5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me,<br>and I can’t stop shaking.<br> 6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove;<br>then I would fly away and rest!<br> 7 I would fly far away<br>to the quiet of the wilderness. <i>Interlude</i><br> 8 How quickly I would escape —<br>far from this wild storm of hatred.<br> 9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans,<br>for I see violence and conflict in the city.<br> 10 Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders,<br>but the real danger is wickedness within the city.<br> 11 Everything is falling apart;<br>threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.<br> 12 It is not an enemy who taunts me —<br>I could bear that.<br>It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me —<br>I could have hidden from them.<br> 13 Instead, it is you — my equal,<br>my companion and close friend.<br> 14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed<br>as we walked together to the house of God (Elohim).<br> 15 Let death stalk my enemies;<br>let the grave swallow them alive,<br>for evil makes its home within them.<br> 16 But I will call on God (Elohim),<br>and the LORD will rescue me.<br> 17 Morning, noon, and night<br>I cry out in my distress,<br>and the LORD hears my voice.<br> 18 He ransoms me and keeps me safe<br>from the battle waged against me,<br>though many still oppose me.<br> 19 God (Elohim), who has ruled forever,<br>will hear me and humble them. <i>Interlude</i><br>For my enemies refuse to change their ways;<br>they do not fear God (Elohim).<br> 20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends;<br>he broke his promises.<br> 21 His words are as smooth as butter,<br>but in his heart is war.<br>His words are as soothing as lotion,<br>but underneath are daggers!<br> 22 Give your burdens to the LORD,<br>and he will take care of you.<br>He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.<br> 23 But you, O God (Elohim), will send the wicked<br>down to the pit of destruction.<br>Murderers and liars will die young,<br>but I am trusting you to save me.<br>