Page 65 - Your Extravagant Kindness

They replaced my good with evil, and I grieved.
I needed to humble myself with fasting and praying

for their sakes.

And when my prayer returned to my heart,
I mourned for them.

I went walking, mourning for them
as if they were a brother or friend,

I grieved as if they were my mother;
I was bent over with weeping.

My stumbling delights them;
they gather, looking to take me unawares,
their whisperings tear me apart.

Within a twisted and mocking mask
I see godless contempt.

My Guardian,
how much longer will you just look on?

Rescue me from this ravaging,
from this predator that would devour my soul.

I thank you in the great congregation,
I praise you among all who have gathered.

They won't gloat over me,
they won't squint hatefully at me ...

they cannot speak peaceful words

but devise deceit against those who are peaceful.