1Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble.
2The LORD protects themand keeps them alive.He gives them prosperity in the landand rescues them from their enemies.
3The LORD nurses them when they are sickand restores them to health.
4“O LORD,” I prayed, “have mercy on me.Heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5But my enemies say nothing but evil about me.“How soon will he die and be forgotten?” they ask.
6They visit me as if they were my friends,but all the while they gather gossip,and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.
7All who hate me whisper about me,imagining the worst.
8“He has some fatal disease,” they say.“He will never get out of that bed!”
9Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely,the one who shared my food, has turned against me.
10LORD, have mercy on me.Make me well again, so I can pay them back!
11I know you are pleased with me,for you have not let my enemies triumph over me.
12You have preserved my life because I am innocent;you have brought me into your presence forever.
13Praise the LORD, the God of Israel,who lives from everlasting to everlasting.Amen and amen!