For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver.

You led us into the net; You laid burdens on our backs.

You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us into abundance.

God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck.

I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me.

I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. …

You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You.

May those who hope in You not be ashamed through me, O Lord GOD of Hosts; may those who seek You not be …

For I have endured scorn for Your sake, and shame has covered my face.

I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons,

because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.

I wept and fasted, but it brought me reproach.

I made sackcloth my clothing, and I was sport to them.

Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of drunkards.

But my prayer to You, O LORD, is for a time of favor. In Your abundant loving devotion, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation.

Rescue me from the mire and do not let me sink; deliver me from my foes and out of the deep waters.

Do not let the floods engulf me or the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me.

Answer me, O LORD, for Your loving devotion is good; turn to me in keeping with Your great compassion.

Hide not Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly!

Draw near to my soul and redeem me; ransom me because of my foes.

You know my reproach, my shame and disgrace. All my adversaries are before You.

Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.

They poisoned my food with gall and gave me vinegar to quench my thirst.