Psalm 109:14-31

Contemporary English Version

¹⁴ “Don't let the Lord forgive
the sins of his parents
    and his ancestors.
¹⁵ Don't let the Lord forget
    the sins of his family,
or let anyone remember
    his family ever lived.
¹⁶ He was so cruel to the poor,
homeless, and discouraged
    that they died young.

¹⁷ “He cursed others.
    Now place a curse on him!
He never wished others well.
    Wish only trouble for him!
¹⁸ He cursed others more often
    than he dressed himself.
Let his curses strike him deep,
just as water and olive oil
    soak through to our bones.
¹⁹ Let his curses surround him,
just like the belt and clothes
    he wears each day.”

²⁰ Those are the cruel things
my enemies wish for me.
    Let it all happen to them!
²¹ Be true to your name, Lord God!
Show your great kindness
    and rescue me.

²² I am poor and helpless,
    and I have lost all hope.
²³ I am fading away
    like an evening shadow;
I am tossed aside
    like a crawling insect.
²⁴ I have gone without eating,^[a]
until my knees are weak,
    and my body is bony.
^25 (A) When my enemies see me,
they say cruel things
    and shake their heads.

²⁶ Please help me, Lord God!
Come and save me
    because of your love.
²⁷ Let others know that you alone
    have saved me.
²⁸ I don't care if they curse me,
    as long as you bless me.
You will make my enemies fail
    when they attack,
and you will make me glad
    to be your servant.
²⁹ You will cover them with shame,
just as their bodies
    are covered with clothes.

³⁰ I will sing your praises
and thank you, Lord,
    when your people meet.
³¹ You help everyone in need,
    and you save them from death.