16. Because he remembered not to shew kindness, but persecuted the afflicted and needy man, and the broken in heart, to slay him.
17. And he loved cursing; so let it come unto him. And he delighted not in blessing; and let it be far from him.
18. And he clothed himself with cursing like his vestment; so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones;
19. Let it be unto him as a garment with which he covereth himself, and for a girdle wherewith he is constantly girded.
20. Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from Jehovah, and of them that speak evil against my soul.
21. But do thou for me, Jehovah, Lord, for thy name's sake; because thy loving-kindness is good, deliver me:
22. For I am afflicted and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.
23. I am gone like a shadow when it lengtheneth; I am tossed about like the locust;
24. My knees are failing through fasting, and my flesh hath lost its fatness;
25. And I am become a reproach unto them; when they look upon me they shake their heads.
26. Help me, Jehovah my God save me according to thy loving-kindness:
27. That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, Jehovah, hast done it.
28. Let them curse, but bless thou; when they rise up, let them be ashamed, and let thy servant rejoice.
29. Let mine adversaries be clothed with confusion, and let them cover themselves with their shame as with a mantle.