Psalm 109:16-25

Good News Translation

¹⁶ That man never thought of being kind;
    he persecuted and killed
    the poor, the needy, and the helpless.
¹⁷ He loved to curse—may he be cursed!
    He hated to give blessings—may no one bless him!
¹⁸ He cursed as naturally as he dressed himself;
    may his own curses soak into his body like water
    and into his bones like oil!
¹⁹ May they cover him like clothes
    and always be around him like a belt!

²⁰ Lord, punish my enemies in that way—
    those who say such evil things against me!
²¹ But my Sovereign Lord, help me as you have promised,
    and rescue me because of the goodness of your love.
²² I am poor and needy;
    I am hurt to the depths of my heart.
²³ Like an evening shadow I am about to vanish;
    I am blown away like an insect.
²⁴ My knees are weak from lack of food;
    I am nothing but skin and bones.
^25 (A)When people see me, they laugh at me;
    they shake their heads in scorn.