1. Those who pay close attention to the poor are truly happy!The Lord rescues them during troubling times.
2. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive;they are widely regarded throughout the land as happy people.You won’t hand them over to the will of their enemies.
3. The Lord will strengthen them when they are lying in bed, sick.You will completely transform the place where they lie ill.
4. But me? I said, "Lord, have mercy on me!Heal me because I have sinned against you."
5. My enemies speak maliciously about me:"When will he die and his name disappear?"
6. Whenever they come to visit, they say nothing of value.Their hearts collect evil gossip;once they leave, they tell it to everybody.
7. All of those who hate me talk about me, whispering to each other,plotting evil against me:
8. "Some horrible thing has been poured into him;the next time he lies down, he won’t get up."
9. Even my good friend,the one I trusted,who shared my food,has kicked me with his heel—a betrayer!
10. But you, Lord, please have mercy on me and lift me upso I can pay them back!
11. Then I’ll know you are pleased with mebecause my enemy won’t be shouting in triumph over me.
12. You support me in my integrity;you put me in your presence forever.
13. Bless the Lord, the God of Israel,from forever to forever!Amen and Amen!