1Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor. The LORD rescues them in times of trouble.
2The LORD protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity and rescues them from their enemies.
3The LORD nurses them when they are sick and eases their pain and discomfort.
4"O LORD," I prayed, "have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you."
5But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. "How soon will he die and be forgotten?" they ask.
6They visit me as if they are my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.
7All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst for me.
8"Whatever he has, it is fatal," they say. "He will never get out of that bed!"
9Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.
10LORD, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back!
11I know that you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemy triumph over me.
12You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever.
13Bless the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives forever from eternal ages past. Amen and amen!