Psalm 41

1 For the music director; a psalm of David. How blessed is the one who treats the poor properly! When trouble comes, the Lord delivers him.

2 May the Lord protect him and save his life! May he be blessed in the land! Do not turn him over to his enemies!

3 The Lord supports him on his sickbed; you completely heal him from his illness.

4 As for me, I said: “O Lord, have mercy on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you!

5 My enemies ask this cruel question about me, ‘When will he finally die and be forgotten?’

6 When someone comes to visit, he pretends to be friendly; he thinks of ways to defame me, and when he leaves he slanders me.

7 All who hate me whisper insults about me to one another; they plan ways to harm me.

8 They say, ‘An awful disease overwhelms him, and now that he is bed-ridden he will never recover.’

9 Even my close friend whom I trusted, he who shared meals with me, has turned against me.

10 As for you, O Lord, have mercy on me and raise me up, so I can pay them back!”

11 By this I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.

12 As for me, you uphold me because of my integrity; you allow me permanent access to your presence.

13 The Lord God of Israel deserves praise in the future and forevermore! We agree! We agree!