5 The Lord has given me understanding,and I have not rebelledor turned away from him.
6 I bared my back to those who beat me.I did not stop them when they insulted me,when they pulled out the hairs of my beardand spat in my face.
7 But their insults cannot hurt mebecause the Sovereign Lord gives me help.I brace myself to endure them.I know that I will not be disgraced,
8 for God is near,and he will prove me innocent.Does anyone dare to bring charges against me?Let us go to court together!Let him bring his accusation!
9 The Sovereign Lord himself defends me —who, then, can prove me guilty?All my accusers will disappear;they will vanish like moth-eaten cloth.
10 All of you that honour the Lordand obey the words of his servant,the path you walk may be dark indeed,but trust in the Lord, rely on your God.
11 All of you that plot to destroy otherswill be destroyed by your own plots.The Lord himself will make this happen;you will suffer a miserable fate.