For the music leader. A psalm of David.

¹ Those who pay close attention to the poor are truly happy! The LORD rescues them during troubling times.

² The LORD protects them and keeps them alive; they are widely regarded throughout the land as happy people. You won’t hand them over to the will of their enemies.

³ The LORD will strengthen them when they are lying in bed, sick. You will completely transform the place where they lie ill.

⁴ But me? I said, “LORD, have mercy on me! Heal me because I have sinned against you.”

⁵ My enemies speak maliciously about me: “When will he die and his name disappear?”

⁶ Whenever they come to visit, they say nothing of value. Their hearts collect evil gossip; once they leave, they tell it to everybody.

⁷ All of those who hate me talk about me, whispering to each other, plotting evil against me:

⁸ “Some horrible thing has been poured into him; the next time he lies down, he won’t get up.”

⁹ Even my good friend, the one I trusted, who shared my food, has kicked me with his heel—a betrayer!

¹⁰ But you, LORD, please have mercy on me and lift me up so I can pay them back!

¹¹ Then I’ll know you are pleased with me because my enemy won’t be shouting in triumph over me.

¹² You support me in my integrity; you put me in your presence forever.

¹³ Bless the LORD, the God of Israel, from forever to forever! Amen and Amen!