The same Godless (that is, arrogant, proud) people referred to in verse 21 scorn the psalmist and mock him, but he continues to obey God’s law, the Torah (verse 51). It is not apparent why Revised Standard Version has Godless men as a translation of the word which in verse 21 is translated “insolent”; it is better to translate here “insolent” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy), “arrogant” (New Jerusalem Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version), or “proud” (Good News Translation, New English Bible). To not turn away from God’s law means to continue to obey it, faithfully doing what the Law commands.

The Torah reminds the psalmist of God’s ordinances, which are from of old, that is, they were given a long time ago (verse 52). Revised Standard Version When I think of (also Bible en français courant) translates the verb usually translated “remember” (Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Bible de Jérusalem, New Jerusalem Bible, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy), the verb which is the first word in verses 49, 52, 55. The word comfort here means reassurance, a sense of safety and well-being.

The psalmist again expresses his anger at those who break God’s law (verse 53; see verses 21-22, 51). Good News Translation “When I see” can be replaced by “When I hear of” or “When I think of.” Forsake thy law and Good News Translation‘s “breaking your law” must often be rendered as “disobeying, refusing, saying ‘No’ to your law.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .