Psalm 36(35) Dixit injustus

(To the choir-master. Of David, the Lord’s servant.)

Deep in his heart the sinner hears the whispering of evil, and loses sight of the fear of God;

flatters himself with the thought that his misdoings go undiscovered, earn no reproof.

No word on his lips but is cruel and false; never a wise thought, a kindly deed.

He lies awake plotting mischief, and lends himself to every evil course, never weary of wrong-doing.

Lord, thy mercy is high as heaven; thy faithfulness reaches to the clouds;

thy justice stands firm as the everlasting hills, the wisdom of thy decrees is deep as the abyss. Lord, thou dost give protection to man and beast,

so rich is thy divine mercy; under the shelter of those wings the frail children of earth will find confidence.

With thy rich store thou wilt nourish them, bid them drink deep at thy fountain of contentment.

In thee is the source of all life; thy brightness breaks on our eyes like dawn.

Still let thy mercy dwell with those who acknowledge thee, thy favour with upright hearts;

do not suffer the proud to trample on me, the wicked to dispossess me.

See what a fall awaits the wrong-doers, how they are cast down to earth, and can keep their feet no more! (KNOX)