4. Our ancestors trusted you,and you rescued them.
5. When they cried out for help,you saved them,and you did not let them downwhen they depended on you.
6. But I am merely a worm,far less than human,and I am hated and rejectedby people everywhere.
7. Everyone who sees memakes fun and sneers.They shake their heads,
8. and say, “Trust the Lord!If you are his favourite,let him protect youand keep you safe.”
9. You, Lord, brought mesafely through birth,and you protected mewhen I was a babyat my mother's breast.
10. From the day I was born,I have been in your care,and from the time of my birth,you have been my God.
11. Don't stay far offwhen I am in troublewith no one to help me.
12. Enemies are all aroundlike a herd of wild bulls.Powerful bulls from Bashanare everywhere.
13. My enemies are like lionsroaring and attackingwith jaws open wide.
14. I have no more strengththan a few drops of water.All my bones are out of joint;my heart is like melted wax.
15. My strength has dried uplike a broken clay pot,and my tongue sticksto the roof of my mouth.You, God, have left meto die in the dust.
16. Brutal enemies attack melike a pack of dogs,tearing at my handsand my feet.