14. May the lord never forget the sins of his fathers;may his mother’s sins never be erased from the record.
15. May the lord always remember these sins,and may his name disappear from human memory.
16. For he refused all kindness to others;he persecuted the poor and needy,and he hounded the brokenhearted to death.
17. He loved to curse others;now you curse him.He never blessed others;now don’t you bless him.
18. Cursing is as natural to him as his clothing,or the water he drinks,or the rich food he eats.
19. Now may his curses return and cling to him like clothing;may they be tied around him like a belt.”
20. May those curses become the lord’s punishmentfor my accusers who speak evil of me.
21. But deal well with me, O Sovereign lord,for the sake of your own reputation!Rescue mebecause you are so faithful and good.
22. For I am poor and needy,and my heart is full of pain.
23. I am fading like a shadow at dusk;I am brushed off like a locust.
24. My knees are weak from fasting,and I am skin and bones.
25. I am a joke to people everywhere;when they see me, they shake their heads in scorn.
26. Help me, O lord my God!Save me because of your unfailing love.
27. Let them see that this is your doing,that you yourself have done it, lord.