1 A Canticle in steps. They have often fought against me from my youth, let Israel now say:
2 they have often fought against me from my youth, yet they could not prevail over me.
3 The sinners have made fabrications behind my back. They have prolonged their iniquity.
4 The just Lord will cut the necks of sinners.
5 Let all those who hate Zion be confounded and turned backwards.
6 Let them be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can be pulled up:
7 with it, he who reaps does not fill his hand and he who gathers sheaves does not fill his bosom.
8 And those who were passing by have not said to them: "The blessing of the Lord be upon you. We have blessed you in the name of the Lord."