Psalm 41

Happy are they who consider the poor and needy!

the LORD will deliver them in the time of trouble.

The LORD preserves them and keeps them alive, so that they may be happy in the land;

he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.

The LORD sustains them on their sickbed

and ministers to them in their illness.

I said, "LORD , be merciful to me;

heal me, for I have sinned against you."

My enemies are saying wicked things about me:

When will he die, and his name perish?"

Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words;

their heart collects false rumors; they go outside and spread them.

All my enemies whisper together about me

and devise evil against me.

"A deadly thing," they say, "has fastened on him;

he has taken to his bed and will never get up again."

Even my best friend, whom I trusted, who broke bread with me,

has lifted up his heel and turned against me.

But you, O LORD , be merciful to me and raise me up,

and I shall repay them.

By this I know you are pleased with me,

that my enemy does not triumph over me.

In my integrity you hold me fast,

and shall set me before your face for ever.

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel,

from age to age. Amen. Amen.