Psalms

Chapter 40

  1. 1

    (To the choir-master. A psalm. Of David.)

  2. 2

    Blessed is that man who takes thought for the poor and the destitute; the Lord will keep him safe in time of trouble.

  3. 3

    The Lord will watch over him, and give him long life and happiness on earth, and baulk his enemies of their will.

  4. 4

    The Lord will sustain him when he lies bed-ridden, turn all to health in his sickness.

  5. 5

    Lord have mercy on me, is my prayer; bring healing to a soul that has sinned against thee.

  6. 6

    Bitterly my enemies taunt me; How long, they ask, ere he will die, and his name be forgotten?

  7. 7

    When one comes to visit me, he comes with smooth words, his heart full of malice, ready to go out and plot against me.

  8. 8

    There they stand, my enemies, talking of me in whispers, devising hurt;

  9. 9

    Here is a foul plague loosed on him; he will leave his bed no more.

  10. 10

    Why, the very man I trusted most, my own intimate friend, who shared my bread, has lifted his heel to trip me up.

  11. 11

    Lord, have mercy on me; give me back health, and let me requite them!

  12. 12

    Proof of thy favour, my enemies are baulked of their triumph;

  13. 13

    thou dost befriend my innocence; nevermore wilt thou banish me from thy presence.

  14. 14

    Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from the beginning to the end of time, Amen, Amen.