14. I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.
15. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing.
16. Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me.
17. How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.
18. I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.
19. Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.
20. They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land.
21. They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.”
22. Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord.
23. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.
24. Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me.
25. Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.”