In these two verses the psalmist asks God to be kind to him and keep him from sinning. In verse 132a Turn to me means “Look at me, pay attention to me, listen to me”; for be gracious see verse 58b. In verse 132b as is thy wont translates the Hebrew “according to your mishpat.” This Hebrew word normally means “justice” or “righteousness,” but here it is used in the sense of “manner, custom” (see New Jerusalem Bible “as is your rule”; New International Version “as you always do”); see this use of the word, translated “custom,” in 1 Kings 18.28; 2 Kings 11.14. Those who love thy name is a way of saying “those who love you” or “those who love to obey you.”

In verse 133a Keep steady my steps (or, feet) may be understood as Good News Translation has it, “keep me from falling”; but it may be taken to mean “guide me” (see Anderson); so Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “Make me walk.” New English Bible has “make my steps firm” (similarly New Jerusalem Bible). The phrase according to thy promise translates the text in many Hebrew manuscripts and the Septuagint, “according to your word”; the Masoretic text has “by your word,” which New Jerusalem Bible translates “through Your promise,” and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible “by your commands.”

In verse 133b the psalmist prays to be kept from the power of evil, or sin, or wrongdoing. In many languages it is difficult to speak of evil or the power of evil as the agent of an action. In this verse there is support for assuming the power of evil is that of the psalmist’s enemies mentioned in 134a. Accordingly we may suggest, for example, “Do not let evil men dominate me,” “Do not let those who are wicked have power over me.”

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 .