1For the leader. A psalm of David.
2Blessed the one concerned for the poor;[#: cf. Ps 32:1–2; 34:9; 40:5; 65:5. The psalmist’s statement about God’s love of the poor is based on the experience of being rescued (Ps 41:1–3).]
on a day of misfortune, the Lord delivers him.
3The Lord keeps and preserves him,
makes him blessed in the land,
and does not betray him to his enemies.
4The Lord sustains him on his sickbed,
you turn down his bedding whenever he is ill.
5Even I have said, “Lord , take note of me;
heal me, although I have sinned against you.
6My enemies say bad things against me:
‘When will he die and his name be forgotten?’
7When someone comes to visit me, he speaks without sincerity.
His heart stores up malice;
when he leaves, he gossips.
8All those who hate me whisper together against me;
they imagine the worst about me:
9‘He has had ruin poured over him;
that one lying down will never rise again.’
10Even my trusted friend,[#: Jn 13:18 cites this verse to characterize Judas as a false friend. : an interpretation of the unclear Hebrew, “made great the heel against me.”]
who ate my bread,
has raised his heel against me.
11“But you, Lord , take note of me to raise me up
that I may repay them.”
12By this I will know you are pleased with me,
that my enemy no longer shouts in triumph over me.
13In my integrity may you support me
and let me stand in your presence forever.
14Blessed be the Lord , the God of Israel,[#The doxology, not part of the Psalm, marks the end of the first of the five books of the Psalter, cf. Ps 72:18–20; 89:53; 106:48.]
from all eternity and forever.
Amen. Amen.