19. Then I said,“Lord, pay attention to me.Listen to what my enemies are saying.
20. Should good be paid back with evil?Yet they are virtually digging a pit to kill me.Just remember how I stood before youpleading on their behalfto keep you from venting your anger on them.
21. So let their children die of starvation.Let them be cut down by the sword.Let their wives lose their husbands and children.Let the older men die of diseaseand the younger men die by the sword in battle.
22. Let cries of terror be heard in their houseswhen you send bands of raiders unexpectedly to plunder them.For they have virtually dug a pit to capture meand have hidden traps for me to step into.
23. But you, Lord, knowall their plots to kill me.Do not pardon their crimes!Do not ignore their sins as though you had erased them!Let them be brought down in defeat before you!Deal with them while you are still angry!