Study Desk

Mark the blameless man [who is spiritually complete], and behold the upright [who walks in moral integrity]; There is a [good] future for the man of peace [because a life of honor blesses one's descendants].

As for transgressors, they will be completely destroyed; The future of the wicked will be cut off.

For Your arrows have sunk into me and penetrate deeply, And Your hand has pressed down on me and greatly disciplined me.

For my iniquities have gone over my head [like the waves of a flood]; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me.

For my sides are filled with burning, And there is no health in my flesh.

My heart throbs violently, my strength fails me; And as for the light of my eyes, even that has also gone from me.

Those who seek my life lay snares for me, And those who seek to injure me threaten mischievous things and destruction; They devise treachery all the day long.

For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will answer, O Lord my God.

For I pray, "May they not rejoice over me, Who, when my foot slips, would boast against me."

For I am ready to fall; My sorrow is continually before me.

For I do confess my guilt and iniquity; I am filled with anxiety because of my sin.

They repay evil for good, they attack and try to kill me, Because I follow what is good.

"Surely every man walks around like a shadow [in a charade]; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; Each one builds up riches, not knowing who will receive them.

"And now, Lord, for what do I expectantly wait? My hope [my confident expectation] is in You.

"With rebukes You discipline man for sin; You consume like a moth what is precious to him; Surely every man is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]. Selah.

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and listen to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am Your temporary guest, A sojourner like all my fathers.

I waited patiently and expectantly for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry.

For innumerable evils have encompassed me; My sins have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see. They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me.

As for me, I said, "O LORD, be gracious to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You."

All who hate me whisper together about me; Against me they devise my hurt [imagining the worst for me], saying,