6
For the music director. To be accompanied by stringed instruments, according to the sheminith.* A psalm of David.
1 Lord, please don't condemn me because you're angry with me; please don't punish me because you're angry with me!
2 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am weak; heal me, Lord, for I am sick to the bone.
3 I'm shaking all over in fear. How long will it be, Lord, before you do something?
4 Turn,† Lord, and rescue me! Save me because of your trustworthy love!
5 For no one remembers you when they're dead. Who is able to praise you from the grave?
6 My groaning has exhausted me. Every night I soak my bed with my crying; I drench my couch with my tears.
7 With all my crying I can hardly see; my eyes grow weak because of the trouble my enemies cause me.
8 Leave me alone, all you people who do evil, for the Lord has heard me crying!
9 The Lord has heard me calling out for help; the Lord answers my prayer.
10 All who hate me will be shamefully defeated and terrified; they will run away in disgrace.
* 6: The meaning of this term is not known. † 6:4 This could either mean to turn towards the psalmist, or for the Lord to change his mind and heal the psalmist.