n°19 / Psalms 73 :

1Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone ; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For there are no bands in their death : but their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as other men ; neither are they plagued like other men.
6Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain ; violence covereth them as a garment.
7Their eyes stand out with fatness : they have more than heart could wish.
8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression : they speak loftily.
9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10Therefore his people return hither : and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11And they say, How doth God know ? and is there knowledge in the most High ?
12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world ; they increase in riches.
13Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15If I say, I will speak thus ; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me ;
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God ; then understood I their end.
18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places : thou castedst them down into destruction.
19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment ! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20As a dream when one awaketh ; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22So foolish was I, and ignorant : I was as a beast before thee.
23Nevertheless I am continually with thee : thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26My flesh and my heart faileth : but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish : thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28But it is good for me to draw near to God : I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.