Psalms 55:1-23

God, listen to my prayer and do not ignore my cry for help. Pay attention to me and answer me. I am troubled and upset by what the enemy says and how the wicked look at me. They bring troubles down on me, and in anger they attack me. I am frightened inside; the terror of death has attacked me. I am scared and shaking, and terror grips me. I said, “I wish I had wings like a dove. Then I would fly away and rest. I would wander far away and stay in the desert.Selah I would hurry to my place of escape, far away from the wind and storm.” Lord, destroy and confuse their words, because I see violence and fighting in the city. Day and night they are all around its walls, and evil and trouble are everywhere inside. Destruction is everywhere in the city; trouble and lying never leave its streets. It was not an enemy insulting me. I could stand that. It was not someone who hated me. I could hide from him. But it is you, a person like me, my companion and good friend. We had a good friendship and walked together to God’s Temple. Let death take away my enemies. Let them die while they are still young because evil lives with them. But I will call to God for help, and the LORD will save me. Morning, noon, and night I am troubled and upset, but he will listen to me. Many are against me, but he keeps me safe in battle. God who lives forever will hear me and punish them.Selah But they will not change; they do not fear God. The one who was my friend attacks his friends and breaks his promises. His words are slippery like butter, but war is in his heart. His words are smoother than oil, but they cut like knives. Give your worries to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will never let good people down. But, God, you will bring down the wicked to the grave. Murderers and liars will live only half a lifetime. But I will trust in you.