Psalm 73

Abraham Coles

2 But as for me, my tempted feet
Were almost gone, by folly tripped:
My steps, perplexed by vain deceit,
In slippery paths had well-nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious of the proud,
Seeing th'abundance of their wealth;
4 The easier death to them allowed,
Their full-fed happiness and health.

5 Because not plagued as others are,
6 Disdain they as a necklace wear;
7 From common men they stand afar:
Oily and round, with haughty air,

8 They from on high oppression speak;
9 They in the heavens their mouth have set;
Their tongue walks through the earth; the weak
They trample down without regret:

10 Therefore His people, tossed with doubt,
Sorely perplexed, are made to drain
Waters of a full cup, wrung out
With agonies of heart and brain.

11 They're moved to say: "How does God know?
Knowledge is there in the Most High?
12 The wicked prosper here below,
'T is vain to ask the reason why:

13 "'T is all in vain I've cleansed my heart;
In innocence have washed my hands;
14 My chastisements do not depart;
My daily wailings fill the land."

15 If I had said, I'll thus speak out,
I had thy children drugged with lies:
16 Yet when I thought to solve my doubt,
It was too painful in my eyes,

17 Till to the House of God I went,
And knew their end; and how they stood
18 Upon a slippery descent;
That false and fleeting was their good.

19 Behold, the doom that long had slept
An utter desolation makes;
They instantly away are swept,
20 Like to a dream when one awakes.

Now that I know Thou dost despise
Their image, th'unreal show
21 No longer dupes and grieves mine eyes:
I brutish was and did not know.

22 A beast before Thee I have been,
But Thou hast with my folly borne;
And hast forgiven me my sin;
23 And I'm still with Thee night and morn.

Thou hast of my right hand kept hold:
24 Thou by Thy counsels wilt me guide,
A straying sheep of Thy dear fold,
And wilt receive me to Thy side.

25 For whom in heaven have I but Thee?
With Thee on earth I none require:
26 My everlasting fortress be,
Rock of my heart! my sole Desire!

27 Those far from Thee Thou wilt destroy,
Who 'gainst their marriage vows rebel;
28 But to draw near Thee is my joy,
In thee to trust, Thy works to tell.