12. Behold, these are the wicked ones,yet prosper at their willIn worldly things; they do increasein wealth and riches still.
13. I verily have done in vainmy heart to purify;To no effect in innocencewashed my hands have I.
14. For daily, and all day throughout,great plagues I suffer'd have;Yea, ev'ry morning I of newdid chastisement receive.
15. If in this manner foolishlyto speak I would intend,Thy children's generation,behold, I should offend.
16. When I this thought to know, it wastoo hard a thing for me;
17. Till to God's sanctuary I went,then I their end did see.
18. Assuredly thou didst them seta slipp'ry place upon;Them suddenly thou castedst downinto destruction.
19. How in a moment suddenlyto ruin brought are they!With fearful terrors utterlythey are consum'd away.
20. Ev'n like unto a dream, when onefrom sleeping doth arise;So thou, O Lord, when thou awak'st,their image shalt despise.
21. Thus grieved was my heart in me,and me my reins opprest:
22. So rude was I, and ignorant,and in thy sight a beast.
23. Nevertheless continually,O Lord, I am with thee:Thou dost me hold by my right hand,and still upholdest me.
24. Thou, with thy counsel, while I live,wilt me conduct and guide;And to thy glory afterwardreceive me to abide.
25. Whom have I in the heavens highbut thee, O Lord, alone?And in the earth whom I desirebesides thee there is none.
26. My flesh and heart doth faint and fail,but God doth fail me never:For of my heart God is the strengthand portion for ever.
27. For, lo, they that are far from theefor ever perish shall;Them that a whoring from thee gothou hast destroyed all.