Psalms 35

Contend, Yahweh, with those who contend with me.

Take hold of shield and buckler,

Brandish the spear and block those who pursue me.

Let those who seek after my soul be disappointed and brought to dishonor.

Let them be as chaff before the wind,

Let their way be dark and slippery,

For without cause they have hidden their net in a pit for me.

Let destruction come on him unawares.

My soul shall be joyful in Yahweh.

All my bones shall say, “Yahweh, who is like you,

Unrighteous witnesses rise up.

They reward me evil for good,

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth.

I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother.

But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together.

Like the profane mockers in feasts,

Lord, how long will you look on?

I will give you thanks in the great assembly.

Don’t let those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me;

For they don’t speak peace,

Yes, they opened their mouth wide against me.

You have seen it, Yahweh. Don’t keep silent.

Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God!

Vindicate me, Yahweh my God, according to your righteousness.

Don’t let them say in their heart, “Aha! That’s the way we want it!”

Let them be disappointed and confounded together who rejoice at my calamity.

Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause.

My tongue shall talk about your righteousness and about your praise all day long.