The Holy Bible – Knox Translation
The Book of Psalms
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Psalm 40
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1
(To the choir-master. A psalm. Of David.)
2
Blessed is that man who takes thought for the poor and the destitute; the Lord will keep him safe in time of trouble.
3
The Lord will watch over him, and give him long life and happiness on earth, and baulk his enemies of their will.
4
The Lord will sustain him when he lies bed-ridden, turn all to health in his sickness.
5
Lord have mercy on me, is my prayer; bring healing to a soul that has sinned against thee.
6
Bitterly my enemies taunt me; How long, they ask, ere he will die, and his name be forgotten?
7
When one comes to visit me, he comes with smooth words, his heart full of malice, ready to go out and plot against me.
8
There they stand, my enemies, talking of me in whispers, devising hurt;
9
Here is a foul plague loosed on him; he will leave his bed no more.
10
Why, the very man I trusted most, my own intimate friend, who shared my bread, has lifted his heel to trip me up.✻
11
Lord, have mercy on me; give me back health, and let me requite them!
12
Proof of thy favour, my enemies are baulked of their triumph;
13
thou dost befriend my innocence; nevermore wilt thou banish me from thy presence.
14
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from the beginning to the end of time, Amen, Amen.
