A Psalm of David. Plead my cause , O LORD, withthem that strivewith me: fight againstthem that fight againstme. Take holdof shieldand buckler, and stand upfor mine help. Draw outalso the spear, and stop the way againstthem that persecuteme: sayunto my soul, I am thy salvation. Let them be confoundedand put to shamethat seek aftermy soul: let them be turnedbackand brought to confusionthat devisemy hurt. Let them beas chaffbeforethe wind: and let the angelof the LORDchase them . Let their waybedarkand slippery: and let the angelof the LORDpersecutethem. Forwithout causehave they hidfor me their net in a pit, which without causethey have diggedfor my soul. Let destructioncome uponhim at unawares; and let his netthathe hath hidcatchhimself: into that very destructionlet him fall. And my soulshall be joyfulin the LORD: it shall rejoicein his salvation. Allmy bonesshall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverestthe poorfrom him that is too strongforhim, yea, the poorand the needyfrom him that spoilethhim? Falsewitnessesdid rise up; they laid to my charge things thatI knewnot. They rewardedme evilforgood to the spoilingof my soul. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbledmy soulwith fasting; and my prayerreturnedintomine own bosom. I behaved myselfas though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed downheavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. But in mine adversitythey rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea , the abjectsgathered themselves togetheragainstme, and I knew it not; they did tear me , and ceasednot: With hypocriticalmockersin feasts, they gnasheduponme with their teeth. Lord, how longwilt thou look on? rescuemy soulfrom their destructions, my darlingfrom the lions. I will give thee thanksin the greatcongregation: I will praisethee among muchpeople. Let notthem that are mine enemieswrongfullyrejoiceover me: neither let them winkwith the eyethat hateme without a cause. Forthey speaknotpeace: but they devisedeceitfulmattersagainst them that are quietin the land. Yea, they openedtheir mouthwide againstme, and said, Aha, aha, our eyehath seen it . This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep notsilence: O Lord, be notfarfromme. Stir up thyself, and awaketo my judgment, even unto my cause, my Godand my Lord. Judgeme, O LORDmy God, according to thy righteousness; and let them notrejoiceover me. Let them notsayin their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them notsay, We have swallowed him up. Let them be ashamedand brought to confusiontogetherthat rejoiceat mine hurt: let them be clothedwith shameand dishonorthat magnify themselves againstme. Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favormy righteous cause: yea, let them saycontinually, Let the LORDbe magnified, which hath pleasurein the prosperityof his servant. And my tongueshall speakof thy righteousness and of thy praiseallthe daylong.