(A special psalm by David for the music leader. Use with stringed instruments.)

Betrayed by a friend

1Listen, God, to my prayer!

Don't reject my request.

2Please listen and help me.

My thoughts are troubled,

and I keep groaning

3because my loud enemies

shout and attack.

They treat me terribly

and hold angry grudges.

4My heart is racing fast,

and I am afraid of dying.

5I am trembling with fear,

completely terrified.

6I wish I had wings

like a dove,

so I could fly far away

and be at peace.

7I would go and live

in some distant desert.

8I would quickly find shelter

from howling winds

and raging storms.

9Confuse my enemies, Lord!

Upset their plans.

Cruelty and violence

are all I see in the city,

10and they are like guards

on patrol day and night.

The city is full of trouble,

evil, 11and corruption.

Troublemakers and liars

freely roam the streets.

12My enemies are not the ones

who sneer and make fun.

I could put up with that

or even hide from them.

13But it was my closest friend,

the one I trusted most.

14We enjoyed being together,

and we went with others

to your house, our God.

15All who hate me are controlled

by the power of evil.

Sentence them to death

and send them down alive

to the world of the dead.

16I ask for your help, LORD God,

and you will keep me safe.

17Morning, noon, and night

you hear my concerns

and my complaints.

18I am attacked from all sides,

but you will rescue me

unharmed by the battle.

19You have always ruled,

and you will hear me.

You will defeat my enemies

because they won't turn

and worship you.

20My friend turned against me

and broke his promise.

21His words were smoother

than butter, and softer

than olive oil.

But hatred filled his heart,

and he was ready to attack

with a sword.

22Our LORD, we belong to you.

We tell you what worries us,

and you won't let us fall.

23But what about those people

who are cruel and brutal?

You will throw them down

into the deepest pit

long before their time.

I trust you, LORD!