Psalm 41: Beatus qui intelligit

Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! *

the LORD will deliver them in the time of trouble.

The LORD preserves them and keeps them alive,

so that they may be happy in the land; *

he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.

The LORD sustains them on their sickbed *

and ministers to them in their illness.

I said, "LORD, be merciful to me; *

heal me, for I have sinned against you."

My enemies are saying wicked things about me: *

When will he die, and his name perish?"

Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; *

their heart collects false rumors;

they go outside and spread them.

All my enemies whisper together about me *

and devise evil against me.

"A deadly thing," they say, "has fastened on him; *

he has taken to his bed and will never get up again."

Even my best friend, whom I trusted,

who broke bread with me, *

has lifted up his heel and turned against me.

But you, O LORD, be merciful to me and raise me up, *

and I shall repay them.

By this I know you are pleased with me, *

that my enemy does not triumph over me.

In my integrity you hold me fast, *

and shall set me before your face for ever.

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, *

from age to age. Amen. Amen.