Psalms 55
1Listen to my prayer, O God,do not ignore my plea; 2hear me and answer me.My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught 3because of what my enemy is saying,because of the threats of the wicked;for they bring down suffering on meand assail me in their anger. 4My heart is in anguish within me;the terrors of death have fallen on me. 5Fear and trembling have beset me;horror has overwhelmed me. 6I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!I would fly away and be at rest. 7I would flee far awayand stay in the desert; 8I would hurry to my place of shelter,far from the tempest and storm.” 9Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words,for I see violence and strife in the city. 10Day and night they prowl about on its walls;malice and abuse are within it. 11Destructive forces are at work in the city;threats and lies never leave its streets. 12If an enemy were insulting me,I could endure it;if a foe were rising against me,I could hide. 13But it is you, a man like myself,my companion, my close friend, 14with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowshipat the house of God,as we walked aboutamong the worshipers. 15Let death take my enemies by surprise;let them go down alive to the realm of the dead,for evil finds lodging among them. 16As for me, I call to God,and the Lord saves me. 17Evening, morning and noonI cry out in distress,and he hears my voice. 18He rescues me unharmedfrom the battle waged against me,even though many oppose me. 19God, who is enthroned from of old,who does not change—he will hear them and humble them,because they have no fear of God. 20My companion attacks his friends;he violates his covenant. 21His talk is smooth as butter,yet war is in his heart;his words are more soothing than oil,yet they are drawn swords. 22Cast your cares on the Lordand he will sustain you;he will never letthe righteous be shaken. 23But you, God, will bring down the wickedinto the pit of decay;the bloodthirsty and deceitfulwill not live out half their days.But as for me, I trust in you.
Study Context for Psalms 55
As you study Psalms 55, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Worship, Lament, Praise. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
WorshipLamentPraise
Observation: What does Psalms 55 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
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