
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.
