120 In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.

Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.

I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

Psalm 120

Prayer for Deliverance from Slanderers

A Song of Ascents.

In my distress I cry to the Lord,
    that he may answer me:(A)
“Deliver me, O Lord,
    from lying lips,
    from a deceitful tongue.”

What shall be given to you?
    And what more shall be done to you,
    you deceitful tongue?
A warrior’s sharp arrows,
    with glowing coals of the broom tree!(B)

Woe is me, that I am an alien in Meshech,
    that I must live among the tents of Kedar.(C)
Too long have I had my dwelling
    among those who hate peace.
I am for peace,
    but when I speak,
    they are for war.

A Prayer for Help

120 When I was in trouble, I called to the Lord,
    and he answered me.
Save me, Lord,
    from liars and deceivers.

You liars, what will God do to you?
    How will he punish you?
With a soldier's sharp arrows,
    with red-hot coals!

Living among you is as bad as living in Meshech
    or among the people of Kedar.[a]
I have lived too long
    with people who hate peace!
When I speak of peace,
    they are for war.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 120:5 Two distant regions, whose people were regarded as savages.