⁴ “The Lord God has given me
    a learned tongue, so that I may know
        how to sustain the weary with words.
And^[a] morning after morning he wakens,
    and^[b] he wakens my ear to
        listen like those who are being taught.
⁵ My Lord God^[c] has opened my ears,
    and I did not rebel;
        I did not shrink back.
⁶ I gave my back to those who beat me
    and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.^[d]
I did not turn away^[e] my face
    from insults and spitting.
⁷ For the Lord God helps me,
    so I won’t be disgraced.
Therefore I’ve made my face like flint,
    and I know that I won’t be put to shame.”

⁸ The one who vindicates me is near.
    Who, then, will bring a charge against me?
        Let’s face each other!
Who has a case against me?
    Let him confront me!
⁹ See! It is the Lord God who will help me.
    Who is it that will declare me guilty?
See! They will all wear out like a garment;
    moths will eat them up.