Psalms 56

1 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me.

Unto the end, for a people that is removed at a distance from the sanctuary for David, for an inscription of a title (or pillar) when the Philistines held him in Geth. Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me.

2 My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me.

My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me.

3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

From the height of the day I shall fear: but I will trust in thee.

4 In God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

In God I will praise my words, in God I have put my trust: I will not fear what flesh can do against me.

5 All day long they twist my words. All their thoughts are against me for evil.

All the day long they detested my words: all their thoughts were against me unto evil.

6 They conspire and lurk, watching my steps. They are eager to take my life.

They will dwell and hide themselves: they will watch my heel. As they have waited for my soul,

7 Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, God.

For nothing shalt thou save them: in thy anger thou shalt break the people in pieces, O God,

8 You count my wanderings. You put my tears into your container. Are not they in your book?

I have declared to thee my life: thou hast set my tears in thy sight, As also in thy promise.

9 Then my enemies shall turn back in the day that I call. I know this: that God is for me.

Then shall my enemies be turned back. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, behold I know thou art my God.

10 In God, I will praise his word. In the LORD, I will praise his word.

In God will I praise the word, in the Lord will I praise his speech.

11 I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

In God have I hoped, I will not fear what man can do to me.

12 Your vows are on me, God. I will give thank offerings to you.

In me, O God, are vows to thee, which I will pay, praises to thee:

13 For you have delivered my soul from death, and prevented my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

Because thou hast delivered my soul from death, my feet from falling: that I may please in the sight of God, in the light of the living.