1[A psalm by David; to be kept in mind.] O LORD, do not angrily punish me or discipline me in your wrath.

2Your arrows have struck me. Your hand has struck me hard.

3No healthy spot is left on my body because of your rage. There is no peace in my bones because of my sin.

4My guilt has overwhelmed me. Like a heavy load, it is more than I can bear.

5My wounds smell rotten. They fester because of my stupidity.

6I am bent over and bowed down very low. All day I walk around in mourning.

7My insides are filled with burning pain, and no healthy spot is left on my body.

8I am numb and completely devastated. I roar because my heart's in turmoil.

9You know all my desires, O Lord, and my groaning has not been hidden from you.

10My heart is pounding. I have lost my strength. Even the light of my eyes has left me.

11My loved ones and my friends keep their distance and my relatives stand far away because of my sickness.

12Those who seek my life lay traps for me. Those who are out to harm me talk about ruining me. All day long they think of ways to deceive me.

13But I am like a person who cannot hear and like a person who cannot speak.

14I am like one who cannot hear and who can offer no arguments.

15But I wait with hope for you, O LORD. You will answer, O Lord, my God.

16I said, "Do not let them gloat over me. When my foot slips, do not let them promote themselves at my expense."

17I am ready to fall. I am continually aware of my pain.

18I confess my guilt. My sin troubles me.

19My mortal enemies are growing stronger. Many hate me for no reason.

20They pay me back with evil instead of good, and they accuse me because I try to do what is good.

21Do not abandon me, O LORD. O my God, do not be so distant from me.

22Come quickly to help me, O Lord, my savior.