The Complaint: Betrayal by False Witnesses

Psalms 35:11-18

Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about.

They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul.

Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered.

I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother.

But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing.

Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me.

How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.

Then I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.