For the director with stringed instruments a maskil of David

Listen Elohim to my prayer and do not hide from my supplication

Give ear to me and answer me I moan in my complaint and am agitated

From the voice of the enemy from the oppression of the wicked for they bring down trouble on me and in anger they hate me

My heart quakes within me and terrors of death fall upon me

Fear and trembling come upon me and horror covers me

And I said Who will give me wings like a dove I would fly away and find rest

Look I would wander far away I would lodge in the wilderness Selah

I would hurry to a refuge for me from the raging wind from the storm

Swallow up Adonai divide their tongues for I have seen violence and strife in the city

Day and night they circle her on her walls and trouble and toil are in her midst

Destruction is in her midst and oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets

For it is not an enemy who taunts me then I could bear it not one who hates me who magnifies himself against me then I could hide from him

But you a man like me my companion and my close friend

Who together we shared sweet counsel in the house of Elohim we walked in the crowd

Let death seize them they will go down alive to Sheol for evils are in their dwellings in their midst

I call to Elohim and יהוה saves me

Evening and morning and noon I complain and moan and he hears my voice

He redeems my soul in peace from the battle against me for many were against me

Elohim will hear and answer them the one who sits from of old Selah those with whom there are no exchanges and they do not fear Elohim

He thrust his hands against his allies he violated his covenant

His mouth parts were smoother than butter but war was in his heart his words were softer than oil but they are drawn swords

Cast upon יהוה your burden and he will sustain you he will never let the righteous be shaken

And you Elohim will bring them down to the pit of destruction men of bloodshed and deceit they will not live out half their days but I trust in you