When evil men attack me to devour my flesh, when my adversaries and enemies attack me, they stumble and fall.

My heart beats quickly; my strength leaves me; I can hardly see.

Reveal your light and your faithfulness! They will lead me, they will escort me back to your holy hill, and to the place where you live.

His words are as smooth as butter, but he harbors animosity in his heart. His words seem softer than oil, but they are really like sharp swords.

They stalk and lurk; they watch my every step, as they prepare to take my life.

They wander around looking for something to eat; they refuse to sleep until they are full.

O Lord our God, you answered them. They found you to be a forgiving God, but also one who punished their sinful deeds.

They will perish, but you will endure. They will wear out like a garment; like clothes you will remove them and they will disappear.

as the mountains rose up, and the valleys went down – to the place you appointed for them.

and ears, but cannot hear. Indeed, they cannot breathe.

Everything looks to you in anticipation, and you provide them with food on a regular basis.

Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me.

Men are nothing but a mere breath; human beings are unreliable. When they are weighed in the scales, all of them together are lighter than air.

adrift among the dead, like corpses lying in the grave, whom you remember no more, and who are cut off from your power.

How blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! They will not be put to shame when they confront enemies at the city gate.