1Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me:
2Take hold of shield and buckler,
3Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me:
4Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul:
5Let them be as chaff before the wind:
6Let their way be dark and slippery:
7For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit,
8Let destruction come upon him at unawares;
9And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord:
10All my bones shall say,
11False witnesses did rise up;
12They rewarded me evil for good
13But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth:
14I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother:
15But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together:
16With hypocritical mockers in feasts,
17Lord, how long wilt thou look on?
18I will give thee thanks in the great congregation:
19Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me:
20For they speak not peace:
21Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me,
22This thou hast seen, O Lord: keep not silence:
23Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment,
24Judge me, O Lord my God, according to thy righteousness;
25Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it:
26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt:
27Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause:
28And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness