Study Desk

I have been young, and now am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his children begging for bread.

All this has come on us, Yet have we not forgotten you, Neither have we been false to your covenant.

His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.

I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Rise up, behold, and help me!

Yet God is my King of old, Working salvation in the midst of the earth.

For neither from the east, nor from the west, Nor yet from the south, comes exaltation.

Yet they still went on to sin against him, To rebel against the Most High in the desert.

Yet he commanded the skies above, And opened the doors of heaven.

They didn't turn from their cravings. Their food was yet in their mouths,

Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God, And didn't keep his testimonies;

The days of our years are seventy, Or even by reason of strength eighty years; Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, For it passes quickly, and we fly away.

Yet he lifts the needy out of their affliction, And increases their families like a flock.

My soul is continually in my hand, Yet I won't forget your law.

The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I haven't gone astray from your precepts.

Many times have they afflicted me from my youth up, Yet they have not prevailed against me.

For though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly; But the proud, he knows from afar.

Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there were none of them.

Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness; Let him reprove me, it is like oil on the head; Don't let my head refuse it; Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds.

While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.