7. I would fly far awayto the quiet of the wilderness.Interlude
8. How quickly I would escape—far from this wild storm of hatred.
9. Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans,for I see violence and conflict in the city.
10. Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders,but the real danger is wickedness within the city.
11. Everything is falling apart;threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.
12. It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that.It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them.
13. Instead, it is you—my equal,my companion and close friend.
14. What good fellowship we once enjoyedas we walked together to the house of God.
15. Let death stalk my enemies;let the grave swallow them alive,for evil makes its home within them.
16. But I will call on God,and the lord will rescue me.
17. Morning, noon, and nightI cry out in my distress,and the lord hears my voice.
18. He ransoms me and keeps me safefrom the battle waged against me,though many still oppose me.
19. God, who has ruled forever,will hear me and humble them.InterludeFor my enemies refuse to change their ways;they do not fear God.
20. As for my companion, he betrayed his friends;he broke his promises.