1 [For the choir director; a psalm by David.] Blessed is the one who has concern for helpless people. The LORD will rescue him in times of trouble.

2 The LORD will protect him and keep him alive. He will be blessed in the land. Do not place him at the mercy of his enemies.

3 The LORD will support him on his sickbed. You will restore this person to health when he is ill.

4 I said, "O LORD, have pity on me! Heal my soul because I have sinned against you."

5 My enemies say terrible things about me: "When will he die, and when will his family name disappear?"

6 When one of them comes to visit me, he speaks foolishly. His heart collects gossip. [Then] he leaves to tell others.

7 Everyone who hates me whispers about me. They think evil things about me and say,

8 "A devilish disease has attached itself to him. He will never leave his sickbed."

9 Even my closest friend whom I trusted, the one who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.

10 Have pity on me, O LORD! Raise me up so that I can pay them back

11 and my enemy cannot shout in triumph over me. When you do this, I know that you are pleased with me.

12 You defend my integrity, and you set me in your presence forever.

13 Thank the LORD God of Israel through all eternity! Amen and amen!