4 My master Yahweh, has given me a tongue that keeps learning—

knowing how to help the weary with a message.

He wakes me in the morning—

wakes me up to listen to his teaching.

5 My master Yahweh, has opened my ears.

I haven’t been rebellious

≈ and I haven’t turned back from what I was asked.

6 I gave my back to those who struck me,[ref]

≈ and my cheeks to those who made them bare.

≈ I didn’t hide my face from insults and getting spat on

7 but my master Yahweh will help me.

Therefore I’m not humiliated,

so I’ve made my face look determined like flint

because I know that I won’t be ashamed.

8 The one who’ll declare me innocent is close by.[ref]

Who will bring charges against me? Let’s stand in court together.

≈ Who is my accuser? Let him approach me.

9 Listen, my master Yahweh will help me.

Who is it who condemns me as guilty?

They’ll all wear out like clothes—the moths will eat them.

10 How many of you strive to obey Yahweh,

listening to his servant’s words?

Who among you all walks in deep darkness without light?

Learn to trust Yahweh and to depend on your god.

11 Look, all of you who kindle fires and carry flaming torches.

Walk in the light from your fire and from the kindling that you’re all burning.

That is what you’ll receive from my hand.

You’ll all lie down in pain.