Psalm 56

For the director of music. To [the tune of] “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam.^a When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

1Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me;

all day long they press their attack.

2My slanderers pursue me all day long;

many are attacking me in their pride.

3When I am afraid,

I will trust in you.

4In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I will not be afraid.

What can mortal man do to me?

5All day long they twist my words;

they are always plotting to harm me.

6They conspire, they lurk,

they watch my steps,

eager to take my life.

7On no account let them escape;

in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.

8Record my lament;

list my tears on your scroll^b—

are they not in your record?

9Then my enemies will turn back

when I call for help.

By this I will know that God is for me.

10In God, whose word I praise,

in the Lord, whose word I praise—

11in God I trust; I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

12I am under vows to you, O God;

I will present my thank offerings to you.

13For you have delivered me^c from death

and my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before God

in the light of life.^d