Psalm 31

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; *

my eye is consumed with sorrow,

and also my throat and my belly.

For my life is wasted with grief,

and my years with sighing; *

my strength fails me because of affliction,

and my bones are consumed.

I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors,

a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *

when they see me in the street they avoid me.

I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; *

I am as useless as a broken pot.

For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;

fear is all around; *

they put their heads together against me;

they plot to take my life.

But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord. *

I have said, “You are my God.

My times are in your hand; *

rescue me from the hand of my enemies,

and from those who persecute me.

Make your face to shine upon your servant, *

and in your loving-kindness save me.”