4 Do not let my heart turn away to evil words to excuse sinful deeds together with men who do iniquity, and let me not eat of their sweetness.

5 Let the righteous chasten me: this is mercy; let him rebuke me: it is the best oil, which will not hurt my head; but my supplications are against their wickedness.

6 Their leaders are scattered on the cliffs, and hear my words that they are meek.

7 As if the earth were being split and crushed in pieces; Our bones are crumbling in the jaws of hell.

8 But to thee, O Lord, O Lord, my eyes are unto thee; in Thee I trust, cast not away my soul!

9 Keep me from the snares set for me, from the snares of the wicked.

10 The wicked shall fall into their nets, but I will pass over.

Psalm 141

David's teaching. His prayer when he was in the cave.

1 With my voice I cried unto the Lord, with my voice I prayed unto the Lord;

2 I have poured out my supplication before him; my sorrow was revealed to Him.

3 When my spirit fainted within me, Thou didst know my path. In the way I walked, they secretly set nets for me.

4 I look on the right side, and I see that no one acknowledges me: there is no refuge for me, no one cares for my soul.

5 I have cried unto thee, O Lord, I have said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

6 Hearken unto my cry, for I am very faint; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name. The righteous will gather around me when You show me good.

Psalm 142

The Psalm of David, [when he was persecuted by his son Absalom].

1 Lord! hear my prayer, hearken unto my prayer according to thy truth; hear me in Thy righteousness

2 and enter not into judgment with thy servant, for no one living shall be justified in thy sight.

3 The enemy pursues my soul, he has trampled my life into the ground, he has forced me to dwell in darkness, as those who have died long ago,