1
[A Psalm] of David. Plead [my cause], O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
2
Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help.
3
Draw out also the spear, and stop [the way] against them that persecute me: say to my soul, I [am] thy salvation.
4
Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
5
Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase [them].
6
Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.
7
For without cause they have hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.
8
Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
9
And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.
10
All my bones shall say, LORD, who [is] like thee, who deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, even the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
11
False witnesses arose; they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not.
12
They rewarded me evil for good [to] the spoiling of my soul.
13
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom.
14
I behaved myself as though [he had been] my friend [or] brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth [for his] mother.
15
But in my adversity they rejoiced, and assembled themselves: [yes], the abjects assembled themselves against me, and I knew [it] not; they did tear [me], and ceased not: