Dual Panel1For the leader: for David: a psalm GOD to whom I offer praise, do not be silent,
2for the wicked have heaped calumnies upon me. They have lied to my face
3and encompassed me on every side with words of hatred. They have assailed me without cause;
4in return for my love they denounced me, though I have done nothing wrong.
5They have repaid me evil for good, hatred in return for my love.
6They say, “Put up some rogue to denounce him, an accuser to confront him.”
7But when judgement is given that rogue will be exposed and his wrongdoing accounted a sin.
8May his days be few; may his hoarded wealth be seized by another!
9May his children be fatherless, his wife a widow!
10May his children be vagrants and beggars, driven from their ruined homes!
11May the creditor distrain on all his goods and strangers run off with his earnings!
12May none remain loyal to him, and none pity his fatherless children!
13May his line be doomed to extinction, may his name be wiped out within a generation!
14May the sins of his forefathers be remembered and his own mother's wickedness never be wiped out!
15May they remain on record before the LORD, but may he cut off all memory of them from the earth!
16For that man never set himself to be loyal to his friend, but persecuted the downtrodden and the poor and hounded the broken-hearted to their death.
17He loved to curse: may the curse recoil on him! He took no pleasure in blessing: may no blessing be his!
18He clothed himself in cursing like a garment: may it seep into his body like water and into his bones like oil!
19May it wrap him round like the clothes he puts on, like the belt which he wears every day!
20May the LORD so repay my accusers, those who speak evil against me!
21You, LORD my God, deal with me as befits your honour; in the goodness of your love deliver me,
22for I am downtrodden and poor, and my heart within me is distraught.
23I fade like a passing shadow, I am shaken off like a locust.
24My knees are weak for want of food and my flesh wastes away, so meagre is my fare.
25I have become the object of their taunts; when they see me they wag their heads.
26Help me, LORD my God; save me by your love,
27that all may know this is your doing and you alone, LORD, have done it.
28They may curse, but you will bless; let my opponents be put to shame, but may your servant rejoice!
29May my accusers be clothed with dishonour, wrapped in their shame as in a cloak!
30I shall lift up my voice to extol the LORD, before a great company I shall praise him.
31For he stands at the right hand of the poor to save them from those who bring them to trial.