⁴ The Lord, the Eternal, equipped me for this job—
    with skilled speech, a smooth tongue for instruction.
I can find the words that comfort and soothe the downtrodden, tired, and despairing.
    And I know when to use them.
Each morning, it is God who wakes me and tells me what I should do,
    what I should say.
⁵ The Lord, the Eternal, has helped me to listen,
    and I do as He says. I have not been rebellious or run away from God’s work.
⁶ But it’s been hard. I offered My back to those who whipped me,
    my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not turn away from humiliation and spitting.

⁷ Because the Lord, the Eternal, helps me I will not be disgraced;
    so, I set my face like a rock, confident that I will not be ashamed.
⁸ My hero who sets things right is near.
    Who would dare to challenge me?
Let’s stand and debate this head-to-head!
    Who would dare to accuse me? Let him come near.
⁹ See here, the Lord, the Eternal, helps me—who could possibly win against me?
    All my accusers will wear out like a ratty old moth-eaten shirt.