Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/688

 So then, these are the wicked; * always at ease, they increase their wealth.

In vain have I kept my heart clean, * and washed my hands in innocence.

I have been afflicted all day long, * and punished every morning.

Had I gone on speaking this way, * I should have betrayed the generation of your children.

When I tried to understand these things, * it was too hard for me;

Until I entered the sanctuary of God * and discerned the end of the wicked.

Surely, you set them in slippery places; * you cast them down in ruin.

Oh, how suddenly do they come to destruction, * come to an end, and perish from terror!

Like a dream when one awakens, O Lord, * when you arise you will make their image vanish.

When my mind became embittered, * I was sorely wounded in my heart.

I was stupid and had no understanding; * I was like a brute beast in your presence.

Yet I am always with you; * you hold me by my right hand.

You will guide me by your counsel, * and afterwards receive me with glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you? * and having you I desire nothing upon earth.