16. All because this person didn’t remember to demonstrate faithful love,but chased after the poor and needy—even the brokenhearted—with deadly intent!
17. Since he loved to curse,let it come back on him!Since he didn’t care much for blessing,let it be far away from him!
18. Since he wore curses like a coat,let them seep inside him like water,seep into his bones like oil!
19. Let them be like the clothes he wears,like a belt that is always around him."
20. But let all that be the reward my accusers get from the Lord, the reward for those who speak evil against me!
21. But you, Lord, my Lord!—act on my behalf for the sake of your name;deliver me because your faithful love is so good;
22. because I am poor and needy,and my heart is broken.
23. Like a lengthening shadow, I’m passing away;I’m shaken off, like some locust.
24. My legs are weak from fasting;my body is skin and bones.
25. I’ve become a joke to my accusers;when they see me, they just shake their heads.
26. Help me, Lord my God!Save me according to your faithful love!
27. And let them know that this is by your hand—that you have done it, Lord!
28. Let them curse—but you, bless me!If they rise up, let them be disgraced,but let your servant celebrate!
29. Let my accusers be dressed in shame;let them wear their disgrace like a coat.
30. But I will give great thanks to the Lord with my mouth;among a great crowd I will praise God!
31. Because God stands right next to the needy,to save them from any who would condemn them.