Yet truly God to Israel's good

Verse 1

Yet truly God to Israels good, To all the clean in heart.

Verse 2

Although my feet did nigh decline, My steps almost depart.

Verse 3

My envy at the foolish rose, To see the wicked's peace,

Verse 4

Because their strength is firm, no bands, In death, does on them seize.

Verse 5

With troubles they are not distressed; Nor plagued like other men.

Verse 6

They're clothed with violence; and pride Hangs round them like a chain.

Verse 7

Their eyes stand out with fatness; they Have more than heart could seek.

Verse 8

They are corrupt, their crimes defend; And loftily they speak.

Verse 9

Against the heavens they set their mouth; Their tongue walks through the earth.

Verse 10

Thy people, here, return, and join In their full cups, and mirth.

Verse 11

"How doth God know? in the Most High," (They fay,) "is knowledge found?"

Verse 12

Lo! these, the ungodly, prosper here. In riches they abound.

Verse 13

Sure then, (said I,) I've cleansed my heart, And washed my hands, in vain.

Verse 14

For, all day long, I plagued have been; Each morn renewed my pain.

Verse 15

But if I openly assert What thus I rashly say, Lo; then the experience of thy saints, Each age, I should betray.

Verse 16

When this I sought to understand, It was too deep for me:

Verse 17

Till to the house of God I went, Then I their end did see.

Verse 18

Sure them thou'st set on slippery ground, And down to ruin cast.

Verse 19

How, in a moment, are they fallen! With terrors they're laid waste?

Verse 20

As a vain dream, when one awakes, Away their glory flies; So, Lord, when thou dost rise to judge, Their show thou wilt despise.

Verse 21

Thus did my heart in ferment glow; Pain in my reins increased.

Verse 22

I was so foolish, ignorant. Before thee, like a beast.

Verse 23

Yet, still I'm with thee; thou support By my right hand didst give.

Verse 24

By counsel thou shalt guide me, then To glory me receive.

Verse 25

In Heaven, whom have I? What,on earth, Can I desire, but thee?

Verse 26

Though flesh and heart should fail, God will My strength and portion be.

Verse 27

Lo; they that far from thee depart, Shall into ruin fall; Those who apostatize from thee, Thou wilt destroy them all,

Verse 28

But, as for me, it's good I should, Still, near to God, repair; I in Jehovah trust, that I May all thy works declare.