Psalm 6

A Prayer for Mercy in Troubled Times

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Upon the sheminith. A psalm of David.

6Lord, don’t correct me when you are angry;

don’t punish me when you are very angry.

²Lord, have mercy on me because I am weak.

Heal me, Lord, because my bones ache.

³I am very upset.

Lord, how long will it be?

⁴Lord, return and save me;

save me because of your kindness.

⁵Dead people don’t remember you;

those in the grave don’t praise you.

⁶I am tired of crying to you.

Every night my bed is wet with tears;

my bed is soaked from my crying.

⁷My eyes are weak from so much crying;

they are weak from crying about my enemies.

⁸Get away from me, all you who do evil,

because the Lord has heard my crying.

⁹The Lord has heard my cry for help;

the Lord will answer my prayer.

¹⁰All my enemies will be ashamed and troubled.

They will turn and suddenly leave in shame.