(Psalm 35:13-23, 27-28)
But when they were sick, I dressed in mourning;
I deprived myself of food;
I prayed with my head bowed low,
as I would pray for a friend or a brother.
I went around bent over in mourning,
as one who mourns for his mother.
But when I was in trouble, they were all glad
and gathered around to make fun of me;
strangers beat me and kept striking me.
Like men who would mock a cripple,
they glared at me with hate.
How much longer, Lord, will you just look on?
Rescue me from their attacks;
save my life from these lions!
Then I will thank you in the assembly of your people;
I will praise you before them all.
Don’t let my enemies, those liars,
gloat over my defeat.
Don’t let those who hate me for no reason
smirk with delight over my sorrow.
They do not speak in a friendly way,
instead they invent all kinds of lies
about peace-loving people.
They accuse me, shouting, “We saw what you did!”
But you, O Lord, have seen this.
So don’t be silent, Lord;
don't keep yourself far away!
Rouse yourself, O Lord, and defend me;
rise up, my God, and plead my cause.
May those who want to see me acquitted
shout for joy and say again and again,
“How great is the Lord!
He is pleased with the success of his servant.”
Then I will proclaim your righteousness,
and I will praise you all day long.
But when they were sick, I dressed in mourning;
I deprived myself of food;
I prayed with my head bowed low,
as I would pray for a friend or a brother.
I went around bent over in mourning,
as one who mourns for his mother.
But when I was in trouble, they were all glad
and gathered around to make fun of me;
strangers beat me and kept striking me.
Like men who would mock a cripple,
they glared at me with hate.
How much longer, Lord, will you just look on?
Rescue me from their attacks;
save my life from these lions!
Then I will thank you in the assembly of your people;
I will praise you before them all.
Don’t let my enemies, those liars,
gloat over my defeat.
Don’t let those who hate me for no reason
smirk with delight over my sorrow.
They do not speak in a friendly way,
instead they invent all kinds of lies
about peace-loving people.
They accuse me, shouting, “We saw what you did!”
But you, O Lord, have seen this.
So don’t be silent, Lord;
don't keep yourself far away!
Rouse yourself, O Lord, and defend me;
rise up, my God, and plead my cause.
May those who want to see me acquitted
shout for joy and say again and again,
“How great is the Lord!
He is pleased with the success of his servant.”
Then I will proclaim your righteousness,
and I will praise you all day long.
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