9. Have mercy on me, for I am in distress!My eyes grow dim from suffering.I have lost my strength.
10. For my life nears its end in pain;my years draw to a close as I groan.My strength fails me because of my sin,and my bones become brittle.
11. Because of all my enemies, people disdain me;my neighbors are appalled by my suffering – those who know me are horrified by my condition;those who see me in the street run away from me.
12. I am forgotten, like a dead man no one thinks about;I am regarded as worthless, like a broken jar.
13. For I hear what so many are saying,the terrifying news that comes from every direction.When they plot together against me,they figure out how they can take my life.
14. But I trust in you, O Lord!I declare, “You are my God!”
15. You determine my destiny!Rescue me from the power of my enemies and those who chase me.
16. Smile on your servant!Deliver me because of your faithfulness!
17. O Lord, do not let me be humiliated,for I call out to you!May evil men be humiliated!May they go wailing to the grave!
18. May lying lips be silenced – lips that speak defiantly against the innocentwith arrogance and contempt!
19. How great is your favor,which you store up for your loyal followers!In plain sight of everyone you bestow it on those who take shelter in you.
20. You hide them with you, where they are safe from the attacks of men;you conceal them in a shelter, where they are safe from slanderous attacks.
21. The Lord deserves praisefor he demonstrated his amazing faithfulness to me when I was besieged by enemies.