Psalms 119:61

119:61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around ¹  me,

but I do not forget your law.

Psalms 119:69

119:69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies, ² 

but I observe your precepts with all my heart.

Psalms 119:85-87

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.

[119:61]  ¹ tn Heb “surround.”

[119:69]  ² tn Heb “smear over me a lie.”

[119:85]  ³ tn Heb “for me.”

[119:85]  ⁴ tn Heb “which [is] not according to your law.”

[119:86]  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.