In these verses the psalmist praises Yahweh’s righteousness and kindness; the two lines of verse 17 are parallel and synonymous. Verse 17a means that in all he does Yahweh is “righteous” or just (New Jerusalem Bible “beneficent”; Bible en français courant “faithfulness”). Verse 17b is exactly like verse 13d.

In verse 18 The LORD is near means that he is attentive and ready to respond (see 34.18) to all who call upon him for help. The final phrase in truth is better translated “with sincerity” (Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy; see Bible en français courant). Because The LORD is near does not refer to space but to readiness, in some languages it will be best to say “The LORD is ready to help all who ask him.” Revised Standard Version who call … in truth and Good News Translation “… with sincerity” may have to be recast in some languages to say idiomatically, for example, “who ask him with a straight heart” or “… with one tongue.” New Jerusalem Bible has “from the heart.”

In verse 19a the thought is like that of verse 16b; for fear see 15.4. All who fear him is parallel with all who love him in verse 20a, and in verse 19b saves is parallel with preserves in verse 20. The latter verb is better translated “watches over” (New Jerusalem Bible, New English Bible).

For verse 20b see 9.5 and 37.9.

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 .