Study Desk

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

Blessed^(a) are those who have regard for the weak;^(b) the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.^(c)

The Lord protects^(d) and preserves them—^(e) they are counted among the blessed in the land—^(f) he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.^(g)

The Lord sustains them on their sickbed^(h) and restores them from their bed of illness.⁽ⁱ⁾

I said, "Have mercy^(j) on me, Lord ; heal^(k) me, for I have sinned^(l) against you."

My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?^(m)"

When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely,⁽ⁿ⁾ while his heart gathers slander;^(o) then he goes out and spreads^(p) it around.

All my enemies whisper together^(q) against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying,

"A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up^(r) from the place where he lies."

Even my close friend,^(s) someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned^[b] against me.^(t)

But may you have mercy^(u) on me, Lord ; raise me up,^(v) that I may repay^(w) them.

I know that you are pleased with me,^(x) for my enemy does not triumph over me.^(y)

Because of my integrity^(z) you uphold me^(aa) and set me in your presence forever.^(ab)

Praise^(ac) be to the Lord , the God of Israel,^(ad) from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.^(ae)