1To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. 2Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication! 3Attend to me, and answer me; I am overcome by my trouble. I am distraught 4by the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring trouble upon me, and in anger they cherish enmity against me. 5My heart is in anguish within me, the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 6Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. 7And I say, "O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; 8yea, I would wander afar, I would lodge in the wilderness, [Selah] 9I would haste to find me a shelter from the raging wind and tempest." 10Destroy their plans, O Lord, confuse their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city. 11Day and night they go around it on its walls; and mischief and trouble are within it, 12ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its market place. 13It is not an enemy who taunts me-- then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me-- then I could hide from him. 14But it is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. 15We used to hold sweet converse together; within God's house we walked in fellowship. 16Let death come upon them; let them go down to Sheol alive; let them go away in terror into their graves. 17But I call upon God; and the LORD will save me. 18Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice. 19He will deliver my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. 20God will give ear, and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old; because they keep no law, and do not fear God. [Selah] 21My companion stretched out his hand against his friends, he violated his covenant. 22His speech was smoother than butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. 23Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. [ (Psalms 55:24) But thou, O God, wilt cast them down into the lowest pit; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in thee. ]