Psalm 56 | New International Version

For the director of music. To the tune of ‘A Dove on Distant Oaks’. Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

1 Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.* 2 My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 5 All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. 6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. 7 Because of their wickedness do not* let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down. 8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll* – are they not in your record? 9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise – 11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? 12 I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank-offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

New International Reader’s Version

For the director of music. A miktam of David after the Philistines had captured him in Gath. To the tune of ‘A Dove on Distant Oak Trees.’

1 Help me, God. Men are chasing me. All day long they keep attacking me. 2 My enemies chase me all day long. Many proud people are attacking me. 3 When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 I trust in God. I praise his word. I trust in God. I am not afraid. What can mere people do to me? 5 All day long they twist my words. They are always making plans to destroy me. 6 They get together and hide. They watch my steps. They hope to kill me. 7 Because they are so evil, make sure you don’t let them escape. God, bring down the nations in your anger. 8 Make a record of my sadness. List my tears in your book. Aren’t you making a record of them? 9 My enemies will turn back when I call out to you for help. Then I will know that God is on my side. 10 I trust in God. I praise his word. I trust in the LORD. I praise his word. 11 I trust in God. I am not afraid. What can mere people do to me? 12 God, I have made promises to you. I will bring my thank-offerings to you. 13 You have saved me from the darkness of death. You have kept me from tripping and falling. Now I can live with you in the light of life.

Psalm 56 | New International Version New International Reader’s Version

For the director of music. To the tune of ‘A Dove on Distant Oaks’. Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

For the director of music. A miktam of David after the Philistines had captured him in Gath. To the tune of ‘A Dove on Distant Oak Trees.’