12. They repay me with evil for the good I have done,and they make me very sad.
13. Yet when they were sick, I put on clothes of sadnessand showed my sorrow by fasting.But my prayers were not answered.
14. I acted as if they were my friends or brothers.I bowed in sadness as if I were crying for my mother.
15. But when I was in trouble, they gathered and laughed;they gathered to attack before I knew it.They insulted me without stopping.
16. They made fun of me and were cruel to meand ground their teeth at me in anger.
17. Lord, how long will you watch this happen?Save my life from their attacks;save me from these people who are like lions.
18. I will praise you in the great meeting.I will praise you among crowds of people.
19. Do not let my enemies laugh at me;they hate me for no reason.Do not let them make fun of me;they have no cause to hate me.
20. Their words are not friendlybut are lies about peace-loving people.
21. They speak against meand say, “Aha! We saw what you did!”
22. Lord, you have been watching. Do not keep quiet.Lord, do not leave me alone.
23. Wake up! Come and defend me!My God and Lord, fight for me!