Psalm 142 | King James Version

1 Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. 2 I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. 3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. 4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. 5 I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. 6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: 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 shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

New International Reader’s Version

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.

Psalm 142 | King James Version New International Reader’s Version

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