Chapter 72

The royal Prophet, first professing the unspeakable goodness of God, ℣.2 in the person of the weak complaineth, that the wicked prosper and the just are afflicted: ℣.15 reprehendeth the murmuration, for though we can not comprehend the secret judgements of God, ℣.18 yet they are most just. ℣.25 So with desire to rest in God, he promiseth ever to praise him.

1. 1

   A Psalm to Asaph. How good is God to Israel, to them that are of a right heart!

2. 2

   But my feet were almost moved, my steps almost slipped.

3. 3

   Because I have had zeal upon the wicked, seeing the peace of sinners.

4. 4

   Because there is no respect to their death: and stability in their plague.

5. 5

   In the labours of men they are not, and with men they shall not be scourged.

6. 6

   Therefore hath pride held them, they are covered with their iniquity and impiety.

7. 7

   Their iniquity hath proceeded as it were of fat: they have passed into the affection of the heart.

8. 8

   They have thought and have spoken wickedness: they have spoken iniquity on high.

9. 9

   They have set their mouth unto heaven: and their tongue hath passed in the earth.

10. 10

    Therefore will my people return here: and full days shall be found in them.

11. 11

    And they have said: How doth God know, and is there knowledge in the highest?

12. 12

    Lo the sinners themselves, and they that abound in the world, have obtained riches.

13. 13

    And I said: Then have I justified my heart without cause, and have washed my hands amongst innocents:

14. 14

    And have been scourged all the day, and my chastising in the mornings.

15. 15

    If I said: I will speak this: behold I reproved the nation of thy children.

16. 16

    I thought to know this thing, it is labour before me:

17. 17

    Until I may enter into the sanctuary of God: and may understand concerning their latter ends.

18. 18

    But yet for guiles thou hast put it to them: thou hast cast them down whilst they were elevated.

19. 19

    How are they brought into desolation, they have failed suddenly: they have perished for their iniquity.

20. 20

    As the dream of them that rise, o Lord, in thy city thou shalt bring their image to nothing.

21. 21

    Because my heart is inflamed, and my reins are changed:

22. 22

    And I am brought to nothing, and knew not.

23. 23

    As a beast am I become with thee: and I always with thee.

24. 24

    Thou hast held my right hand: and in thy will thou hast conducted me, and with glory thou hast received me.

25. 25

    For what is to me in heaven? And besides thee what would I upon the earth?

26. 26

    My flesh hath fainted, and my heart: God of my heart, and God my portion for ever.

27. 27

    For behold, they that make themselves far from thee, shall perish: thou hast destroyed all that fornicate from thee.

28. 28

    But it is good for me to cleave to God: to put my hope in our Lord God. That I may shew forth all thy praises, in the gates of the daughter of Sion.