1 O God, whom I praise, do not turn a deaf ear to me.
2 Wicked and deceitful people have opened their mouths against me.
3 They surround me with hateful words.
4 In return for my love, they accuse me,
5 They reward me with evil instead of good
6 ⌞I said,⌟ “Appoint the evil one to oppose him.
7 When he stands trial,
8 Let his days be few ⌞in number⌟.
9 “Let his children become fatherless and his wife a widow.
10 Let his children wander around and beg.
11 Let a creditor take everything he owns.
12 Let no one be kind to him anymore.
13 Let his descendants be cut off
14 Let the Lord remember the guilt of his ancestors
15 Let their guilt and sin always remain on record
16 because he did not remember to be kind.
17 He loved to put curses ⌞on others⌟,
18 He wore cursing as though it were clothing,
19 Let cursing be his clothing,
20 This is how the Lord rewards those who accuse me,
21 O Lord Almighty, deal with me out of the goodness of your name.
22 I am oppressed and needy.
23 I fade away like a lengthening shadow.
24 My knees give way because I have been fasting.
25 I have become the victim of my enemies’ insults.
26 Help me, O Lord my God.
27 Then they will know that this is your doing,
28 They may curse, but you will bless.
29 Let those who accuse me wear disgrace as though it were clothing.
30 With my mouth I will give many thanks to the Lord.
31 because he stands beside needy people