Psalm 41. Beatus qui intelligit.

1. Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! *
   the Lord will deliver them in the time of trouble.
2. 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.
3. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed *
   and ministers to them in their illness.
4. I said, "Lord, be merciful to me; *
   heal me, for I have sinned against you."
5. My enemies are saying wicked things about me: *
   When will he die, and his name perish?
6. Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; *
   their hearts collect false rumors; they go outside and spread them.
7. All my enemies whisper together about me *
   and devise evil against me.
8. "A deadly thing," they say, "has fastened on him; *
   he has taken to his bed and will never get up again."
9. Even my best friend, whom I trusted, who broke bread with me, *
   has lifted up his heel and turned against me.
10. But you, O Lord, be merciful to me and raise me up, *
    and I shall repay them.
11. By this I know you are pleased with me, *
    that my enemy does not triumph over me.
12. In my integrity you hold me fast, *
    and shall set me before your face for ever.
13. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, *
    from age to age. Amen. Amen.