Psalms 69:1-23 ▼

1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck.

2 I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me.

3 I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

4 Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.

5 You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You.

6 May those who hope in You not be ashamed through me, O Lord GOD of Hosts; may those who seek You not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel.

7 For I have endured scorn for Your sake, and shame has covered my face.

8 I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons,

9 because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.

10 I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.

11 I made sackcloth my clothing, and I was sport to them.

12 Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of drunkards.

13 But my prayer to You, O LORD, is for a time of favor. In Your abundant loving devotion, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation.

14 Rescue me from the mire and do not let me sink; deliver me from my foes and out of the deep waters.

15 Do not let the floods engulf me or the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me.

16 Answer me, O LORD, for Your loving devotion is good; turn to me in keeping with Your great compassion.

17 Hide not Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly!

18 Draw near to my soul and redeem me; ransom me because of my foes.

19 You know my reproach, my shame and disgrace. All my adversaries are before You.

20 Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.

21 They poisoned my food with gall and gave me vinegar to quench my thirst.

22 May their table become a snare; may it be a retribution and a trap.

23 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.