Psalms 41
1 Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor. The LORD rescues them in times of trouble.
2 The LORD protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity and rescues them from their enemies.
3 The 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."
5 But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. "How soon will he die and be forgotten?" they ask.
6 They visit me as if they are my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.
7 All 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!"
9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.
10 LORD, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back!
11 I know that you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemy triumph over me.
12 You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever.
13 Bless the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives forever from eternal ages past. Amen and amen!