³⁹ For he remembered that they were merely mortal,
    gone like a breath of wind that never returns.

“Lord, you know what’s happening to me.
    Please step in and help me. Punish my persecutors!
Please give me time; don’t let me die young.
    It’s for your sake that I am suffering.

⁵⁰ Consider, Lord, how your servants are disgraced!
    I carry in my heart the insults of so many people.

⁴⁷ Remember how short my life is,
    how empty and futile this human existence!

²² Arise, O God, and defend your cause.
    Remember how these fools insult you all day long.

¹⁸ See how these enemies insult you, Lord.
    A foolish nation has dishonored your name.

²¹ before I leave—never to return—
    for the land of darkness and utter gloom.
²² It is a land as dark as midnight,
    a land of gloom and confusion,
    where even the light is dark as midnight.’”

⁹ Remember that you made me from dust—
    will you turn me back to dust so soon?