Psalm 55

   1  Lord, hear my pray'r, hide not thyself
         from my entreating voice:
   2  Attend and hear me; in my plaint
         I mourn and make a noise.

   3  Because of th' en'my's voice, and for
         lewd men's oppression great:
      On me they cast iniquity,
         and they in wrath me hate.

   4  Sore pained within me is my heart:
         death's terrors on me fall.
   5  On me comes trembling, fear and dread
         o'erwhelmed me withal.

   6  O that I, like a dove, had wings,
         said I, then would I flee
      Far hence, that I might find a place
         where I in rest might be.

   7  Lo, then far off I wander would,
         and in the desert stay;
   8  From windy storm and tempest I
         would haste to 'scape away.

   9  O Lord, on them destruction bring,
         and do their tongues divide;
      For in the city violence
         and strife I have espied.

  10  They day and night upon the walls
         do go about it round:
      There mischief is, and sorrow there
         in midst of it is found.

  11  Abundant wickedness there is
         within her inward part;
      And from her streets deceitfulness
         and guile do not depart.

  12  He was no foe that me reproached,
         then that endure I could;
      Nor hater that did 'gainst me boast,
         from him me hide I would.

  13  But thou, man, who mine equal, guide,
         and mine acquaintance wast:
  14  We joined sweet counsels, to God's house
         in company we past.

  15  Let death upon them seize, and down
         let them go quick to hell;
      For wickedness doth much abound
         among them where they dwell.

  16  I'll call on God: God will me save.
  17     I'll pray, and make a noise
       At ev'ning, morning, and at noon;
         and he shall hear my voice.

  18  He hath my soul delivered,
         that it in peace might be
      From battle that against me was;
         for many were with me.

  19  The Lord shall hear, and them afflict,
         of old who hath abode:
      Because they never changes have,
         therefore they fear not God.

  20  'Gainst those that were at peace with him
         he hath put forth his hand:
      The covenant that he had made,
         by breaking he profaned.

  21  More smooth than butter were his words,
         while in his heart was war;
      His speeches were more soft than oil,
         and yet drawn swords they are.

  22  Cast thou thy burden on the Lord,
         and he shall thee sustain;
      Yea, he shall cause the righteous man
         unmoved to remain.

  23  But thou, O Lord my God, those men
         in justice shalt o'erthrow,
      And in destruction's dungeon dark
         at last shalt lay them low:

      The bloody and deceitful men
         shall not live half their days:
      But upon thee with confidence
         I will depend always.