Psalm 41  1Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! * the LORD will deliver them in the time of trouble. 2The 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. 3The LORD sustains them on their sickbed * and ministers to them in their illness. 4I said, "LORD, be merciful to me; * heal me, for I have sinned against you." 5My enemies are saying wicked things about me: * When will he die, and his name perish?" 6Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; * their heart collects false rumors; they go outside and spread them. 7All 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." 9Even my best friend, whom I trusted, who broke bread with me, * has lifted up his heel and turned against me. 10But you, O LORD, be merciful to me and raise me up, * and I shall repay them. 11By this I know you are pleased with me, * that my enemy does not triumph over me. 12In my integrity you hold me fast, * and shall set me before your face for ever. 13Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, * from age to age. Amen. Amen.