1. To the Overseer. --`On the Lilies,' by David. Save me, O God, for come have waters unto the soul.
2. I have sunk in deep mire, And there is no standing, I have come into the depths of the waters, And a flood hath overflown me.
3. I have been wearied with my calling, Burnt hath been my throat, Consumed have been mine eyes, waiting for my God.
4. Those hating me without cause Have been more than the hairs of my head, Mighty have been my destroyers, My lying enemies, That which I took not away--I bring back.
5. O God, Thou--Thou hast known Concerning my overturn, And my desolations from Thee have not been hid.
6. Let not those waiting on Thee be ashamed because of me, O Lord, Jehovah of Hosts, Let not those seeking Thee Blush because of me, O God of Israel.
7. For because of Thee I have borne reproach, Shame hath covered my face.
8. A stranger I have been to my brother, And a foreigner to sons of my mother.
9. For zeal for Thy house hath consumed me, And the reproaches of Thy reproachers Have fallen upon me.
10. And I weep in the fasting of my soul, And it is for a reproach to me.
11. And I make my clothing sackcloth, And I am to them for a simile.
12. Those sitting at the gate meditate concerning me, And those drinking strong drink, Play on instruments.
13. And I--my prayer [is] to Thee, O Jehovah, A time of good pleasure, O God, In the abundance of Thy kindness, Answer me in the truth of Thy salvation.
14. Deliver me from the mire, and let me not sink, Let me be delivered from those hating me, And from deep places of waters.
15. Let not a flood of waters overflow me, Nor let the deep swallow me up, Nor let the pit shut her mouth upon me.