Psalm 41

Psalm 41

FOR THE CHOIR DIRECTOR: A PSALM OF DAVID.

1 Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
  The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble.
2 The LORD protects them
  and keeps them alive.
He gives them prosperity in the land
  and rescues them from their enemies.
3 The LORD nurses them when they are sick
  and restores them to health.

4 "O LORD," I prayed, "have mercy on me.
  Heal me, for I have sinned against you."
5 But my enemies say nothing but evil about me.
  "How soon will he die and be forgotten?" they ask.
6 They visit me as if they were my friends,
  but all the while they gather gossip,
  and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.
7 All who hate me whisper about me,
  imagining the worst.
8 "He has some fatal disease," they say.
  "He will never get out of that bed!"
9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely,
  the one who shared my food, has turned against me.

10 LORD, have mercy on me.
  Make me well again, so I can pay them back!
11 I know you are pleased with me,
  for you have not let my enemies triumph over me.
12 You have preserved my life because I am innocent;
  you have brought me into your presence forever.

13 Praise the LORD, the God of Israel,
  who lives from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and amen!