1A Psalm by David, for a memorial. Yahweh, do not scold me in your anger, and do not punish me in your intense displeasure.
2For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand presses heavily on me.
3My body is not healthy because of your anger, and my bones are not sound because of my sin.
4My guilt has overwhelmed me. It is like a heavy burden, too heavy for me to carry.
5My wounds stink and are infected because of my foolishness.
6I am suffering and bent over with pain. I mourn all day long.
7My body is filled with burning pain, and there is no healthy part in my flesh.
8I am weak and badly bruised. I groan because of the anguish in my heart.
9Lord, you know everything I long for. My groaning is not hidden from you.
10My heart pounds. My strength is leaving me. Even the light in my eyes is gone.
11My loved ones and friends keep their distance from my sickness. My relatives stand far away.
12Those who want to kill me set traps. Those who want to harm me say wicked things and plan to deceive me all day long.
13But I am like a deaf man who doesn't hear, and like a mute man who doesn't open his mouth.
14Yes, I am like a man who doesn't hear, and who has no arguments to offer.
15For I put my hope in you, Yahweh. You, Lord my God, will answer me.
16For I said, "Don't let them gloat over me or act superior when I stumble."
17Because I am ready to fall, and my pain is constantly with me.
18For I will admit my guilt. I will be sorry for my sin.
19But my enemies are strong and numerous. Many people hate me for no reason.
20Those who repay good with evil are against me because I pursue what is good.
21Don't abandon me, Yahweh. My God, don't stay far away from me.
22Hurry to help me, Lord, my Savior.