A Prayer to avoid Envy
[2] But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
[3] For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
[4] They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong.
[5] They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills.
[6] Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.
[7] From their callous hearts comes iniquity;
their evil imaginations have no limits.
[8] They scoff, and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
[9] Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.
[10] Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.
[11] They say, “How would God know?
Does the Most High know anything?”
[12] This is what the wicked are like—
always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
[13] Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
and have washed my hands in innocence.
[14] All day long I have been afflicted,
and every morning brings new punishments.
[15] If I had spoken out like that,
I would have betrayed your children.
[16] When I tried to understand all this,
it troubled me deeply
[17] till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.
[18] Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin.
[19] How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!
[20] They are like a dream when one awakes;
when you arise, Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies.
[21] When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
[22] I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
[23] Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
[24] You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
[25] Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
[26] My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
[27] Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
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Keep the Faith. Best regards,
Brother Ron, N.D.S.M.D.
