The arrogant dig pits to trap me, which violates your law.

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for I am always aware of them.

I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your rules.

The wicked lay a trap for me, but I do not wander from your precepts.

A song of ascents. In my distress I cried out to the Lord and he answered me.

“Since my youth they have often attacked me, but they have not defeated me.

Protect me from the snare they have laid for me, and the traps the evildoers have set.

But the one who listens to me will live in security, and will be at ease from the dread of harm.

So now, children, listen to me; do not turn aside from the words I speak.

So now, sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words I speak.

“So now, children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes observe my ways;

Surely I am more brutish than any other human being, and I do not have human understanding;

My beloved is like a fragrant pouch of myrrh spending the night between my breasts.

My beloved is like a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-Gedi.

I will threaten Ariel, and she will mourn intensely and become like an altar hearth before me.

He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, through whom I will reveal my splendor.”

Even now you say to me, ‘You are my father! You have been my faithful companion ever since I was young.

Do not cause me dismay! You are my source of safety in times of trouble.

As to my case, I am in your power. Do to me what you deem fair and proper.