4. Bring shame and disgrace on those trying to kill me;turn them back and humiliate those who want to harm me.
5. Blow them away like chaff in the wind—a wind sent by the angel of the lord.
6. Make their path dark and slippery,with the angel of the lord pursuing them.
7. I did them no wrong, but they laid a trap for me.I did them no wrong, but they dug a pit to catch me.
8. So let sudden ruin come upon them!Let them be caught in the trap they set for me!Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me.
9. Then I will rejoice in the lord.I will be glad because he rescues me.
10. With every bone in my body I will praise him:“lord, who can compare with you?Who else rescues the helpless from the strong?Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?”
11. Malicious witnesses testify against me.They accuse me of crimes I know nothing about.
12. They repay me evil for good.I am sick with despair.
13. Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them.I denied myself by fasting for them,but my prayers returned unanswered.
14. I was sad, as though they were my friends or family,as if I were grieving for my own mother.
15. But they are glad now that I am in trouble;they gleefully join together against me.I am attacked by people I don’t even know;they slander me constantly.
16. They mock me and call me names;they snarl at me.
17. How long, O Lord, will you look on and do nothing?Rescue me from their fierce attacks.Protect my life from these lions!
18. Then I will thank you in front of the great assembly.I will praise you before all the people.
19. Don’t let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat.Don’t let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow.