12. They pay me back evil for good,leaving me stricken with grief.
13. But when they were sick, I wore clothes for grieving,and I kept a strict fast.When my prayer came back unanswered,
14. I would wander around like I was grieving a friend or a brother.I was weighed down, sad, like I was a mother in mourning.
15. But when I stumbled, they celebrated and gathered together—they gathered together against me!Strangers I didn’t know tore me to pieces and wouldn’t quit.
16. They ridiculed me over and over again,like godless people would do,grinding their teeth at me.
17. How long, my Lord, will you watch this happen?Rescue me from their attacks;rescue my precious life from these predatory lions!
18. Then I will thank you in the great assembly;I will praise you in a huge crowd of people.
19. Don’t let those who are my enemieswithout cause celebrate over me;don’t let those who hate me for no reasonwink at my demise.