1   
Happy are those who are concerned for the poor;
  the Lord will help them when they are in trouble.

2   
The Lord will protect them and preserve their lives;
  he will make them happy in the land;
  he will not abandon them to the power of their enemies.

3   
The Lord will help them when they are sick
  and will restore them to health.

4   
I said, “I have sinned against you, Lord;
  be merciful to me and heal me.”

5   
My enemies say cruel things about me.
  They want me to die and be forgotten.

6   
Those who come to see me are not sincere;
  they gather bad news about me
  and then go out and tell it everywhere.

7   
All who hate me whisper to each other about me,
  they imagine the worst about ^note me.

8   
They say, “He is fatally ill;
  he will never leave his bed again.”

9   
Even my best friend, the one I trusted most,
  the one who shared my food,
  has turned against me. ^note

10   
Be merciful to me, Lord, and restore my health,
  and I will pay my enemies back.

11   
They will not triumph over me,
  and I will know that you are pleased with me.

12   
You will help me, because I do what is right;
  you will keep me in your presence forever.

13   
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel!
Praise him now and forever! ^note
Amen! Amen! BOOK TWO (Psalms 42—72)

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