Psalm 142

New International Reader’s Version

from Biblica

A prayer of David when he was in the cave. A maskil.

1 I call out to the LORD. I pray to him for mercy. 

2 I pour out my problem to him. I tell him about my trouble. 

3 When I grow weak, you are watching over my life. In the path where I walk, people have hidden a trap to catch me. 

4 Look and see that no one is on my right side to help me. No one is concerned about me. I have no place of safety. No one cares whether I live or die. 

5 LORD, I cry out to you. I say, ‘You are my place of safety. You are everything I need in this life.’ 

6 Listen to my cry. I am in great need. Save me from those who are chasing me. They are too strong for me. 

7 My troubles are like a prison. Set me free so I can praise your name. Then those who do what is right will gather around me because you have been good to me. 

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Psalm 142

English Standard Version

from Crossway

You Are My Refuge

A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.

1 With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD. (Ps 3:4; Ps 30:8) 

2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. (Isa 26:16) 

3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. (Ps 77:3; Ps 140:5) 

4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. (Job 11:20; Ps 16:8; Ps 31:11; Ps 69:20; Jer 25:35) 

5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” (Ps 14:6; Ps 16:5; Ps 27:13) 

6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! (Ps 17:1; Ps 18:17; Ps 79:8) 

7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me. (Ps 13:6; Ps 143:11; Isa 42:7) 

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