Day XIV : Evening Prayer

73 - Quam bonus Isræl!

1  Truly, God is loving to Israel, *
even to those who have a clean heart.

2  Nevertheless, my feet had almost stumbled; *
my steps had nearly slipped.

3  For I was envious of the proud *
when I saw the ungodly in such prosperity.

4  For they are in no fear of death, *
but their bodies are healthy and strong.

5  They come to no misfortune like other folk, *
neither are they afflicted like others.

6  Therefore they wear pride as a necklace, *
and they wrap themselves with violence as with a garment.

7  Their eyes swell with greed, *
and their hearts overflow with wicked thoughts.

8  Their talk is malice and mockery; *
they have proud looks, and tyrannous words are on their lips.

9  For they set their mouth against the heavens, *
and their evil speech spreads through the world.

10  Therefore the people turn to them, *
and find no fault in them.

11  They say, “How should God perceive it? *
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”

12  Behold, these are the ungodly; *
they prosper in their ways, and they have riches in possession. 

13  I said, “Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart *
and washed my hands in innocence.”

14  All the day long have I been afflicted, *
and chastened every morning.

15  Indeed, had I spoken as they do, *
then would I have betrayed the generation of your children.

16  When I sought to understand this, *
it was too hard for me,

17  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; *
then I understood their end.

18  Surely, you set them in slippery places, *
and cast them down, and destroy them.

19  Oh, how suddenly are they consumed; *
they perish and come to a fearful end.

20  Indeed, like a dream when one awakens, *
so shall you make their image vanish out of the city.

21  Thus my heart was grieved, *
and I was wounded within;

22  So foolish was I, and ignorant, *
as if I were a beast before you.

23  Nevertheless, I am always with you, *
for you hold me by my right hand.

24  You shall guide me with your counsel, *
and after that receive me with glory.

25  Whom have I in heaven but you? *
And there is no one on earth whom I desire in comparison with you.

26  Though my flesh and my heart fail me, *
God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

27  For behold, those who forsake you shall perish; *
you destroy all those who are unfaithful to you.

28  But it is good for me to hold fast to God, to put my trust in the Lord God, *
and to speak of all your works in the gates of the city of Zion.