Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/687



Truly, God is good to Israel, * to those who are pure in heart.

But as for me, my feet had nearly slipped; * I had almost tripped and fallen;

Because I envied the proud * and saw the prosperity of the wicked:

For they suffer no pain, * and their bodies are sleek and sound;

In the misfortunes of others they have no share; * they are not afflicted as others are;

Therefore they wear their pride like a necklace * and wrap their violence about them like a cloak.

Their iniquity comes from gross minds, * and their hearts overflow with wicked thoughts.

They scoff and speak maliciously; * out of their haughtiness they plan oppression.

They set their mouths against the heavens, * and their evil speech runs through the world.

And so the people turn to them * and find in them no fault.

They say, “How should God know? * is there knowledge in the Most High?”