1 “A psalm of the steps, or the goings up.” Much have they afflicted me from my youth, May Israel now say; 2 Much have they afflicted me from my youth, Yet have they not prevailed against me. 3 The ploughers ploughed up my back; They made long their furrows; 4 But the LORD was righteous; He cut asunder the cords of the wicked. 5 Let all be driven back with shame Who hate Zion! 6 Let them be as grass upon the house-tops, Which withereth before one pulleth it up; 7 With which the reaper filleth not his hand, Nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom! 8 And they who pass by do not say, “The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!”