Study Desk

Yet He sets the needy securely on high, away from affliction, And makes their families like a flock.

The arrogant utterly ridicule me, Yet I do not turn away from Your law.

For I have become like a wineskin [blackened and shriveled] in the smoke [in which it hangs], Yet I do not forget Your statutes.

My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law.

The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I do not wander from Your precepts.

Trouble and anguish have found me, Yet Your commandments are my delight and my joy.

Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, Yet I do not turn away from Your testimonies.

"Many times they have persecuted me from my youth, Yet they have not prevailed against me.

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were appointed for me, When as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].

Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].

"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to lie down and rest"—

While He had not yet made the earth and the fields, Or the first of the dust of the earth.

There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more; And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty.

There is one who pretends to be rich, yet has nothing at all; Another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates]. He says to you, "Eat and drink," Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost].

"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest [and daydream],"

Even though you pound a [hardened, arrogant] fool [who rejects wisdom] in a mortar with a pestle like grain, Yet his foolishness will not leave him.

There is a generation (class of people) that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.

The ants are not a strong people, Yet they prepare their food in the summer;

The shephanim are not a mighty folk, Yet they make their houses in the rocks;