For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by an eight-stringed instrument.a1 O LORD, don’t rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage.
2 Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
3 I am sick at heart. How long, O LORD, until you restore me?
4 Return, O LORD, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love.
5 For the dead do not remember you. Who can praise you from the grave?b
6 I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.
7 My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.
8 Go away, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer.
10 May all my enemies be disgraced and terrified. May they suddenly turn back in shame.