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

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12So then, these are the wicked; *
always at ease, they increase their wealth.

13In vain have I kept my heart clean, *
and washed my hands in innocence.

14I have been afflicted all day long, *
and punished every morning.

15Had I gone on speaking this way, *
I should have betrayed the generation of your children.

16When I tried to understand these things, *
it was too hard for me;

17Until I entered the sanctuary of God *
and discerned the end of the wicked.

18Surely, you set them in slippery places; *
you cast them down in ruin.

19Oh, how suddenly do they come to destruction, *
come to an end, and perish from terror!

20Like a dream when one awakens, O Lord, *
when you arise you will make their image vanish.

21When my mind became embittered, *
I was sorely wounded in my heart.

22I was stupid and had no understanding; *
I was like a brute beast in your presence.

23Yet I am always with you; *
you hold me by my right hand.

24You will guide me by your counsel, *
and afterwards receive me with glory.

25Whom have I in heaven but you? *
and having you I desire nothing upon earth.

688Psalm 73