Verse 10
"For you are great, and do wondrous things: you are God alone"
Wondrous things — deeds no man can do by his own strength; you are God alone — there is no other. Before asking anything, David first says to whom he speaks.
In one line: you alone are great.
Verse 11
"Teach me your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth: unite my heart to fear your name"
Teach me your way — show me the path you want; walk in your truth — live by your truth; unite my heart — make it one, not divided between opposing desires; to fear your name — to hold you in true awe.
In one line: teach me your way and give me a whole heart.
Verse 12
"I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify your name for evermore"
I will praise you — give you thanks and praise; with all my heart — wholly, not by halves; glorify your name — give it honour; for evermore — without end.
In one line: I praise you with my whole heart.
Verse 13
"For great is your mercy toward me: and you have delivered my soul from the lowest nether-world"
Your mercy toward me — the kindness you have done me; delivered my soul — saved my life; the lowest nether-world — the deepest place, an image of real mortal danger. David remembers a rescue that has already happened.
In one line: your mercy lifted me from the depths.
Verse 14
"O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set you before them"
The proud — arrogant men who act on purpose; the assemblies of violent men — a band of ruthless men; sought after my soul — tried to take my life; have not set you before them — they do not keep you in mind. The danger is real, and its root is that they do not fear the LORD.
In one line: cruel men have risen against me.
Verse 15
"But you, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth"
Full of compassion — one who pities; gracious — giving grace even where it was not earned; longsuffering — slow to anger; plenteous in mercy and truth — abundant kindness and firm faithfulness.
In one line: unlike them, you are compassionate and faithful.
Verse 16
"O turn to me, and have mercy upon me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your handmaid"
O turn to me — turn your face toward me; give your strength — grant me of your strength; the son of your handmaid — one who belongs to you from birth.
In one line: turn to me and give me your strength.
Verse 17
"Show me a token for good; that they who hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because you, LORD, have helped me, and comforted me"
A token for good — a visible sign that good is coming; they who hate me — my enemies; be ashamed — be put to shame; helped me, and comforted me — you helped me and also gave me comfort.
In one line: the psalm ends in help and comfort.
From you are great to a token for good — a prayer that begins in acknowledgement and ends in comfort.