P73b. Yea, God is good to Israel

1 Yea, God is good to Israel,
to each pure-hearted one.
2 But as for me, my steps nigh slipped,
my feet were almost gone.
3 For I envious was, and grudged
the foolish folk to see,
when I perceived wicked men
enjoy prosperity.

4 For still their strength continues firm;
their death of bands is free.
5 Not troubled they like other men,
nor plagued, as others be.
6 Therefore their pride, like to a chain,
them compasseth about:
and, as a garment, violence
doth cover them throughout.

7 Their eyes stand out with fat; they have
more than their hearts could seek;
8 they mock, and loftily of wrong
and of oppression speak.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens
in proud and haughty talk;
their boastful and reviling tongue
upon the earth doth walk.

10 His people oftentimes for this
look back, and turn about;
since waters of so full a cup
to these are poured out.
11 And thus they say, How can it be
that God these things doth know?
Or, Can there in the Highest be
knowledge of things below?

12 Lo these the wicked are, and yet
they prosper at their will
in worldly things; they do increase
in wealth and riches still.
13 I verily have done in vain
my heart to purify;
to no effect in innocence
my hands made clean have I.

14 For daily, and all day throughout,
great plagues I suffered have;
yea, every morning I anew
did chastisement receive.
15 If in this manner foolishly
to speak I would intend,
the generation of thy sons,
behold, I should offend.

16 But when I thought this thing to know,
it was too hard for me,
17 till to God’s sanctuary I went;
then I their end did see.
18 Upon a slippery place them set
assuredly thou hast;
and down into destruction thou
dost suddenly them cast.

19 How in a moment suddenly
to ruin brought are they!
With fearful terrors utterly
they are consumed away.
20 Even like unto a dream, when one
from sleeping doth arise;
so thou, O Lord, when thou awak’st
their image shalt despise.

21 Thus I was grieved in my heart,
and in my reins oppressed.
22 So rude was I, and ignorant,
and in thy sight a beast.
23 And yet, O Lord, I do abide
continually with thee:
thou dost me take 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 afterward
receive me to abide.
25 Whom have I in the heavens high
but thee, O Lord, alone?
And in the earth whom I desire
besides 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 strength
and portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee
for ever perish shall;
them that forsake thee wantonly
thou hast destroyed all.

28 But surely it is good for me
that I draw near to God:
In God I trust, that all thy works
I may declare abroad.

Text Information
First Line: Yea, God is good to Israel
Meter: CM
Language: English
Publication Date: 2004
Scripture:
Tune Information
Name: WESTMINSTER
Composer: James Turle, 1802-1882
Meter: CM
Key: C Major



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