119:61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around 1 me,
but I do not forget your law.
119:69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies, 2
but I observe your precepts with all my heart.
119:85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me, 3
which violates your law. 4
119:86 All your commands are reliable.
I am pursued without reason. 5 Help me!
119:87 They have almost destroyed me here on the earth,
but I do not reject your precepts.
1 tn Heb “surround.”
2 tn Heb “smear over me a lie.”
3 tn Heb “for me.”
4 tn Heb “which [is] not according to your law.”
5 sn God’s commands are a reliable guide to right and wrong. By keeping them the psalmist is doing what is right, yet he is still persecuted.