1(55-1) For the Leader; with string-music. Maschil of David. (55-2) Give ear, O God, to my prayer; and hide not Thyself from my supplication.

2(55-3) Attend unto me, and hear me; I am distraught in my complaint, and will moan;

3(55-4) Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked; for they cast mischief upon me, and in anger they persecute me.

4(55-5) My heart doth writhe within me; and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

5(55-6) Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.

6(55-7) And I said: 'Oh that I had wings like a dove! then would I fly away, and be at rest.

7(55-8) Lo, then would I wander far off, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah

8(55-9) I would haste me to a shelter from the stormy wind and tempest.'

9(55-10) Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongue; for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

10(55-11) Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof; iniquity also and mischief are in the midst of it.

11(55-12) Wickedness is in the midst thereof; oppression and guile depart not from her broad place.

12(55-13) For it was not an enemy that taunted me, then I could have borne it; neither was it mine adversary that did magnify himself against me, then I would have hid myself from him.

13(55-14) But it was thou, a man mine equal, my companion, and my familiar friend;

14(55-15) We took sweet counsel together, in the house of God we walked with the throng.

15(55-16) May He incite death against them, let them go down alive into the nether-world; for evil is in their dwelling, and within them.

16(55-17) As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.

17(55-18) Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I complain, and moan; and He hath heard my voice.

18(55-19) He hath redeemed my soul in peace so that none came nigh me; for they were many that strove with me.

19(55-20) God shall hear, and humble them, even He that is enthroned of old, Selah, such as have no changes, and fear not God.

20(55-21) He hath put forth his hands against them that were at peace with him; he hath profaned his covenant.

21(55-22) Smoother than cream were the speeches of his mouth, but his heart was war; his words were softer than oil, yet were they keen-edged swords.

22(55-23) Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain thee; He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.

23(55-24) But Thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the nethermost pit; men of blood and deceit shall not live out half their days; but as for me, I will trust in Thee.