Psalms 35:10-20

10 Every bone in my body laughing, singing, "God, there's no one like you. You put the down-and-out on their feet and protect the unprotected from bullies!"
11 Hostile accusers appear out of nowhere, they stand up and badger me.
12 They pay me back misery for mercy, leaving my soul empty.
13 When they were sick, I dressed in black; instead of eating, I prayed.
14 My prayers were like lead in my gut, like I'd lost my best friend, my brother. I paced, distraught as a motherless child, hunched and heavyhearted.
15 But when I was down they threw a party! All the nameless riffraff of the town came chanting insults about me.
16 Like barbarians desecrating a shrine, they destroyed my reputation.
17 God, how long are you going to stand there doing nothing? Save me from their brutalities; everything I've got is being thrown to the lions.
18 I will give you full credit when everyone gathers for worship; When the people turn out in force I will say my Hallelujahs.
19 Don't let these liars, my enemies, have a party at my expense, Those who hate me for no reason, winking and rolling their eyes.
20 No good is going to come from that crowd; They spend all their time cooking up gossip against those who mind their own business.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.