The Complaint: Betrayal by False Witnesses

Psalms 35:11-18

Malicious witnesses come forward, asking me things about which I know nothing.

They repay me evil for good; it makes me feel desolate as a parent bereaved.

But I, when they were ill, wore sackcloth; I put myself out and fasted; I can pray that what I prayed for them might also happen to me.

I behaved as I would for my friend or my brother; I bent down in sorrow as if mourning my mother.

But when I stumble, they gather in glee; they gather against me and strike me unawares; they tear me apart unceasingly.

With ungodly mocking and grimacing, they grind their teeth at me.

Adonai, how much longer will you look on? Rescue me from their assaults, save the one life I have from the lions!

I will give you thanks in the great assembly, I will give you praise among huge crowds of people.