17. Yea, he loved cursing, and it came unto him; and he delighted not in blessing, and it was far from him.
18. He clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment, and it came into his inward parts like water, and like oil into his bones. Let it be unto him as the raiment
19. wherewith he covereth himself, and for the girdle wherewith he is girded continually.
20. This is the reward of mine adversaries from the Lord, and of them that speak evil against my soul.
21. But deal thou with me, O GODthe Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me,
22. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.
23. I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust.
24. My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.
25. I am become also a reproach unto them: when they see me, they shake their head.
26. Help me, O Lord my God; O save me according to thy mercy:
27. That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, Lord, hast done it.
28. Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, they shall be ashamed, but thy servant shall rejoice.