1[For the choir director; a psalm by David.] Blessed is the one who has concern for helpless people. The LORD will rescue him in times of trouble.

2The LORD will protect him and keep him alive. He will be blessed in the land. Do not place him at the mercy of his enemies.

3The LORD will support him on his sickbed. You will restore this person to health when he is ill.

4I said, "O LORD, have pity on me! Heal my soul because I have sinned against you."

5My enemies say terrible things about me: "When will he die, and when will his family name disappear?"

6When one of them comes to visit me, he speaks foolishly. His heart collects gossip. [Then] he leaves to tell others.

7Everyone who hates me whispers about me. They think evil things about me and say,

8"A devilish disease has attached itself to him. He will never leave his sickbed."

9Even my closest friend whom I trusted, the one who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.

10Have pity on me, O LORD! Raise me up so that I can pay them back

11and my enemy cannot shout in triumph over me. When you do this, I know that you are pleased with me.

12You defend my integrity, and you set me in your presence forever.

13Thank the LORD God of Israel through all eternity! Amen and amen!